Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren has visited a specialist in Germany to assess a knee injury that could keep him out against Leicester City.
The Reds take on the champions on February 27, as they look to build on their impressive 2-0 victory at home to top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time out.
Lovren missed that win at Anfield, as well as the 2-0 defeat to Hull City, due to a knee complaint.
And according to the Telegraph, he may also be absent for the trip to the King Power Stadium, having returned to Germany for consultation on what is described as a “persistent problem.”
The 27-year-old missed Liverpool’s mid-season training camp in La Manga last week in the hope that a period of rest would cure his ailment, but this was clearly not the case.
Now Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he can recover in time for next Monday, with Lovren establishing himself as one of the German’s first-choice centre-backs this season.
If he does sit out, Klopp could turn to Ragnar Klavan, Lucas Leiva or Joe Gomez as his alternative alongside Joel Matip.
Lucas is the most likely option, having excelled as Lovren’s deputy against Spurs, successfully shackling the in-form Harry Kane in a near faultless performance.
Klopp has overlooked Gomez so far when it comes to the Premier League, clearly looking to ensure the 19-year-old has a smooth transition into first-team football after a long period with injury.
Gomez has made just three appearances for the Reds this season, with his most recent outing instead coming for the U23s, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 win over Spurs.
He has shown no signs of struggling after 14 months out with an ACL issue, but a first-team berth is more likely next season, when Klopp has time to work on his partnership with Matip.
Nevertheless, Gomez remains a strong option if Klopp does turn to him at the King Power, and the teenager certainly has the pace to deal with Jamie Vardy.
Lovren’s fitness problems should be a concern for Liverpool, with the Croatia international suffering four separate injuries this season so far—more than any other Reds player.
His time in Germany will hopefully be fruitful, as Klopp clearly depends on his No. 6 at present.
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