Lovren has missed the past two matches owing to a back injury sustained on international duty with Croatia

Joël Matip and Dejan Lovren are expected to return to Liverpool’s defence for tonight’s Premier League visit to Leicester City after the duo returned to training, with Jürgen Klopp’s team seeking to end a four-match winless streak.

Lovren has been a late withdrawal from Liverpool’s past two matches owing to a back injury sustained on international duty for Croatia, while Matip also missed Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat away to Leicester with a knock.

Liverpool have conceded just 16 goals in the 20 Premier League matches that the pair have started together, but their fitness issues means that they have missed 24 matches, raising further questions as to why Klopp did not strengthen his options in the summer.

Matip, left, missed Liverpool’s Carabao Cup defeat away to Leicester ANTHONY DEVLIN/PA

Leicester’s 2-0 win in midweek was their third