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Liverpool FC defender Dejan Lovren has been sent back to Merseyside after sustaining a groin injury on international duty with Croatia.

The club confirmed to the ECHO that they have been notified of his injury by the Croatian Football Federation, who previously tweeted of Lovren's withdrawal from the national squad.

The defender will arrive back in Liverpool either late Thursday or early Friday for assessment from the Reds medical staff.

It is believed Lovren sustained the injury during a training session with the national team.

With Mamadou Sakho expected to be out for up to another 10 days following a hamstring injury, the Reds could have just two fit first team centre backs - Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure – for the trip to QPR and the Champions League home clash with Real Madrid.

Lovren was set to feature in two fixtures this week – away to Bulgaria on Friday and at home to Azerbaijan on Monday.

The 25-year-old has been an ever-present in the Premier League since his £20m move to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers has only recently welcomed back Martin Skrtel after the Slovakian's three-game absence, while Saturday marked Glen Johnson's first appearance since the defeat to Manchester City in August.

Jon Flanagan remains a long-term injury at full back.

Lovren represents another injury frustration for Rodgers, who still awaits the returns of Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Emre Can following injuries picked up during last month's international break.