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Liverpool dealt blow as defender loses fitness battle ahead of crucial Bayern Munich tie

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By Thomas Hein

Dejan Lovren Liverpool
Dejan Lovren celebrates for Liverpool

Latest Liverpool news: Dejan Lovren ruled out of starting against Bayern Munich

The Mirror reports that Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has not recovered from a hamstring problem and will not start against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Reds face the Bavarians in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash, and will also be without Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk.

The report adds that Lovren hasn’t trained with the team since his return from a trip to Croatia. The Liverpool defender’s injury has improved but it isn’t enough to see him start. However, the report adds that there is a slight chance of Lovren making it to the bench.

The 29-year-old last played for us in the FA Cup loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers early in January.

The report claims that Brazilian midfielder Fabinho will replace Lovren at the back against the Bundesliga side and there is a chance that Ki-Jana Hoever gets a spot on the bench on Tuesday.

Fabinho of Liverpool
Fabinho after the 1-0 win over Brighton

Defensive headache for Klopp

Fabinho played as a centre-back earlier in the season but this will be a major test for the Brazilian. The former Monaco star started his career as a right-back and it will be interesting to see how he and Joel Matip cope with Bayern’s attack.

There is some good news for Liverpool with the report adding that Georginio Wijnaldum is fit to play despite a minor knee problem.

The Dutch midfielder has been one of the stars of the season and scored a brilliant goal in our win over Bournemouth.

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The Reds have a couple of crucial clashes in the coming days with a trip to Old Trafford after the tie against Munich and winning them are important for the season.