Injury Update: Lovren Out, Mane Unlikely

The injury to Joe Gomez is a difficult one to handle, and it comes at just about the worst possible time. Not only has Gomez been one of the standout players so far this season, but he also provides depth in both center back and right back positions. And the timing—at the start of the busy holiday season, and before a possible Champions League knockout match—is, to put it mildly, not good.

However, he’s not the only one struggling for fitness. Dejan Lovren missed the last two matches with a head injury, and is set to miss yet another. And Mane, who picked up a slight knock earlier in the week is also a doubt.

“Sadio is now out [at Melwood] and tries to run [for the] first time. That doesn’t sound like he will be ready for tomorrow,” Jürgen Klopp said during his pre-match presser.

“Gini is fine. Robbo played pretty much most of the games, in a very intense position. That’s why we decided to give him eight hours off. He is fine.”

With Virgil van Dijk having to babysit Joel Matip on his right, it’s good that he won’t also have to worry about the same with Alberto Moreno on the left.

On possible right back options, other than starter Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp was coy. He explained that Trent wouldn’t play every match, but that “there were options” at that position. Fabinho? Milner? Come on Klopp, we’re dying to know.

Even if Mane can’t make the trip to Bournemouth, the Reds should be able to field a relatively strong side. Hopefully Mane and Lovren can recover quickly. They will be needed over the next few weeks.