Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne expected to return for Manchester United clash

Liverpool have been handed a double injury boost with Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne expected to return for the visit of Manchester United after the ongoing international break on 17 October. The duo picked up injuries during the Reds' 2-1 win over Swansea City and have pulled out of the Croatia and England squads respectively for their World Cup qualifier clashes.

Lovren suffered a groin injury in the dying stages of the game against the south Wales club, while Clyne has been carrying a minor knee injury, but has continued to play on a regular basis for Liverpool this season. The latter, however, was not fit enough to travel with the Three Lions squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia in the coming days.

The Liverpool Echo understands that the extended break due to international commitments will be enough time for the duo to recover and make a return for the crucial clash against their arch rivals United. Lovren and Clyne along with Joel Matip and James Milner have formed a consistent backline for Jurgen Klopp and he will be keen to have all of them fit and available for their biggest game of the season yet.

Adam Lallana also suffered a groin injury during the game against the Swans, and immediately pulled out of the England squad. The report claims that the midfielder has been undergoing intensive treatment at the club's Melwood training base, but remains a doubt for the clash against the Red Devils.

The former Southampton midfielder's absence will be big blow to club and country owing to his fine form of late. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven Premier League games thus far for Liverpool, while it was his goal that secured England all three points in their first World Cup qualifier game against Slovakia in August.

United, meanwhile, could have the services of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Luke Shaw for the trip to Anfield after the duo missed out prior to the international break. The former had returned to training following a thigh injury, while the latter had missed two games owing to illness. The extended break should give them enough time to recover, with Phil Jones the only long-term absentee for Jose Mourinho at the moment.