Lovren misses Liverpool break through injury

Daniel Storey

Defender Dejan Lovren was the one notable absentee from the Liverpool squad which flew out to Spain for a warm weather training camp on Wednesday.

The Croatia international has not played since the 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on January 31, missing matches against Hull and Tottenham after sustaining a knee injury.

Press Association Sport understands he has remained on Merseyside to continue his treatment at the club’s Melwood training ground.

However, midfielder Lucas Leiva, who has deputised in Lovren’s absence, was on the flight to La Manga in south-east Spain.

The Brazilian was forced off late on in the win over Tottenham and there were initial concerns he may have sustained a hamstring injury but the 30-year-old has recovered sufficiently to take part in the five-day trip.

Other expected absentees were striker Danny Ings, goalkeeper Adam Bogdan (both knee) and midfielders Ovie Ejaria (ankle) and Marko Grujic (hamstring).

A number of youngsters have also travelled as manager Jurgen Klopp plans to work with a squad of around 25 players for the time they are away.