Lovren looking to step up in absence of Sakho

Dejan Lovren believes that he is more than capable of stepping in to cover the absence of injured star Mamadou Sakho.

The Croatian centre-back, who has not started a league game for Liverpool since September 12, when the previous manager Brendan Rogers was in charge, is hoping that he can prove his doubters wrong as he deputises for Sakho, who’ll be out with a knee injury sustained against Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the 26-year-old admitted that although he was disappointed to see a fellow teammate suffer from a serious injury, he would not refrain from trying to capitalise on the opportunity.

He said: “Mama had a really good couple of games and a good start to the season. We played in Rubin Kazan together and were feeling really good.

But you never know in football – injuries can happen today or tomorrow. So you need to be prepared. I was working hard all the time so I’m ready and looking forward to playing.

Jurgen Klopp will be undoubtedly disappointed to have lost the French international to the knee injury that is expected to keep him out until the new year after he’d put in a number of impressive performances following his reinstation to the first team.

However, the former Lyon and Southampton defender, who joined the club for a reported fee of £20m, is eager to not only prove himself to his manager but also the fans following a less than impressive start to his Liverpool career since joining in July 2014.

“Last year I had a tough year,” he said.

“I didn’t do pre-season with the team and everything was such a rush.

Everyone, all together, has started better than last year. It was important for me that I had a good pre-season with the team and I’m feeling more comfortable now.

“I know the expectations – I know a little bit more about the club and the feelings of the fans. When you do a pre-season outside the UK, you see what a great club and a big club it is.

“I’m proud to be here. Now my thing is to be here for as long as possible and to win something with the club.”