Liverpool’s defensive problems are piling up as Joe Gomez has suffered a setback in his recovery and Dejan Lovren has a hamstring problem.

Gomez was expected to recover from a broken leg this month, but that is now unlikely and there are fears he will need further surgery.

Jurgen Klopp, the manager, hinted at Gomez’s problem when confirming he would be unavailable for the visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Feb 19.

“It is not exactly going how we want,” said Klopp. “He needs more time. There were different moments we thought we could do this or that. It will take time. We cannot say more.”

Asked if he could rule out ­another procedure, Klopp said: “I don’t know. We will see. It is possible, probably.”