Dejan Loven is seeing a strength and conditioning specialist back in Croatia in an attempt to face Bayern Munich next week, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Jurgen Klopp’s side host the Bundesliga giants on Tuesday, as the two sides do battle in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The Reds find themselves with a crisis at the back, with Virgil van Dijk suspended and Joe Gomez out injured with a broken leg.

Lovren is also struggling to be fit in time, meaning Joel Matip could be partnered by either Fabinho or Jordan Henderson at centre-back.

The Croatian has made a late effort to overcome his hamstring issue, however, heading home to see a specialist.

It still feels highly unlikely that Klopp will have the luxury of an available Lovren, although the next few days will be key in that respect.

The defender certainly isn’t doing his chances any harm.

The 29-year-old may have his critics, but it would be a big boost to Liverpool’s Champions League hopes if he was fit to start alongside the equally divisive Matip.