Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren could be forced to wait until the end of the next international break to make his return from injury.

The Croatian has resumed running and individual ball work at Melwood as he steps up his recovery from a pelvis problem sustained during the World Cup and is expected to take part in full team training again later this month.

Lovren has not ruled out the possibility of making an appearance before the next tranche of international fixtures come around.

However, with the 29-year-old likely to be short of match fitness, the club’s medical staff would consider any minutes played within that timeframe to be a bonus.

Lovren’s hopes of a speedy return are also somewhat hampered by the Reds’ fixture list later this month.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are set to face Chelsea, Napoli and Manchester City in the week prior to the break - fixtures that could go a long way to deciding their fate in the Premier League and Champions League.

The impressive form of centre-back duo Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk may also restrict Lovren’s opportunities upon his return to fitness.

The pair have featured together in the Reds' first four Premier League games this season and have conceded just one goal.