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Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has mysteriously ruled himself out of Croatia's international double-header next week.

The centre-back, who is expected to feature for the Reds against Watford on Sunday, has asked to not be considered for his country's World Cup qualifier against Iceland and a friendly with Northern Ireland.

Lovren has given no explanation for his decision, having twice been recalled to the national team since exiting in controversial fashion in March following a falling out with Croatia boss Ante Cacic.

And the 27-year-old has said he will be available for future games – just not the two later this month.

“I will keep to myself the reasons why I asked Cacic to relieve me of my international duties for these two games,” said Lovren to Croatian media.

“I am still here and will make myself available for the upcoming games, hoping to earn another chance with good performances at club level.”

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Lovren missed Euro 2016 having been axed by Cacic after expressing displeasure at being an unused substitute for a friendly against Hungary.

The Liverpool defender eventually returned to the squad for Croatia's opening World Cup qualifier against Turkey in September but has yet to play a single minute for his country this season.