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Dejan Lovren insists he is ready to fill the void left by Mamadou Sakho at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

Sakho is set to be missing until the New Year having sustained a knee injury in the Reds’ defeat against Crystal Palace earlier this month. The Frenchman’s misfortune means Lovren, who last started a league game on September 12, will step into the breach for a critical run of games, starting on Saturday at Manchester City.

And the most expensive defender in Reds history says he is up for the challenge of stepping in for Sakho, who has impressed both before and after Jurgen Klopp’s arrival.

Lovren said: “Mama had a really good couple of games and a good start to the season. We played in Rubin Kazan together and were feeling really good.

“But you never know in football – injuries can happen today or tomorrow. So you need to be prepared. I was working hard all the time so I’m ready and looking forward to playing.”

Lovren, of course, suffered a difficult debut campaign on Merseyside following his £20m switch from Southampton. The Croatian was in and out of the team under Brendan Rodgers, and admits he has been forced to learn about the weight of expectation at Anfield.

“Last year I had a tough year,” he said. “I didn’t do pre-season with the team and everything was such a rush.

“Everyone, all together, has started better than last year. It was important for me that I had a good pre-season with the team and I’m feeling more comfortable now.

“I know the expectations – I know a little bit more about the club and the feelings of the fans. When you do a pre-season outside the UK, you see what a great club and a big club it is.

“I’m proud to be here. Now my thing is to be here for as long as possible and to win something with the club.”

What do you think, Reds? Can Dejan step up to the plate in Sakho's absence? Let us know in the comments below, or @LivEchoLFC