Liverpool Echo reports that Dejan Lovren could be out for another month as the club refuse to rush him back into action.

The Croatia defender hasn’t played a single minute for us this season due to a stomach injury he picked up during the World Cup.

The report adds that the central defender has started running and is working with the ball too. Lovren is expected to return to first-team training later in the month but the report adds that the Reds are not looking to “over-exert” the player.

Liverpool face seven important games in less than a month after the international break. And the report adds that if Lovren plays any minutes between now and the next international break, which is in October, it will be considered as a bonus.

The former Southampton man was our first-choice centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk last season but his place has been taken up by Joe Gomez after an impressive start to the campaign.

The 21-year-old has been great at the back with van Dijk and has helped us record three clean sheets from four games.

Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table but we require every player fit for our clashes after the international break.

Read more: “We are in contact, but not for advice” – Liverpool boss claims he is in contact with club legend

However, keeping Lovren fit for the remainder of the season is important and hopefully, his absence won’t hurt us.