---
title: "Lovren to miss festive fixtures but escapes ligament damage"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/lovren-miss-festive-fixtures-escapes-ligament-damage/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-12-15T14:12:16Z"
modified: "2015-12-15T15:20:43Z"
---

# Lovren to miss festive fixtures but escapes ligament damage

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren will miss three weeks of action as a result of a knee injury sustained in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, [reports James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-injury-update-lovren-10601855).

The Croatian had a scan on his right knee on Monday, and the results were positive for the former Southampton centre-back, as there were fears that the injury could have been more serious.

Craig Gardner’s brutal challenge on the 26-year-old caused severe bruising and swelling around the joint and left him needing five stitches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dOGN-UFz4A

The Echo claim that there is no exact date set for Lovren’s return, but medical staff believe he will not feature again until January, by which time he will have missed four Premier League matches.

Whilst Lovren’s absence will come as a blow to Jurgen Klopp, the return of popular French defender Mamadou Sakho – who is now back in full training – will remedy that.

The £18m star could return to the fold when the Reds travel to in-form Watford on Sunday.