Report: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren avoids ligament damage, out for a month

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has reportedly escaped knee ligament damage, but could still be out for around a month after coming off against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The Croatian centre-back was stretchered off during the 2-2 draw and left Anfield on crutches.

Liverpool are expected to confirm the extent of the injury later today but, according to PA, the 26-year-old has avoided a problem which may have ended his season.

Lovren's right knee is still said to be significantly swollen and could take up to a month to fully recover, meaning that he could miss up to eight games with the busy festive period on the horizon.

With Lovren out, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be glad that Mamadou Sakho is on the verge of returning to full fitness this week after over a month on the sidelines.