Liverpool have been handed a massive injury concern ahead of a crucial fixture against Arsenal as defender Dejan Lovren remains doubtful for the weekend clash.

The Croatian international left Southampton and joined the Merseyside club in the summer. However, the centre-back has struggled since signing for the Reds and was heavily criticised for his performance against Manchester United.

Lovren picked up a groin injury during the mid week Capital One Cup victory over Bournemouth and Brendan Rodgers admitted that Liverpool will assess his fitness before the Sunday’s clash against the Gunners at Anfield.

“We’re just waiting to hear on that – hopefully he’ll be fine. We’ll assess that before the weekend,” Rodgers told the reporters in his pre-match press conference.

Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the fitness of #LFC defender @DejanLovrenLFC6: http://t.co/ZTmXVxuoPR pic.twitter.com/4pz5KtLt7W

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2014

If the former Southampton defender misses the weekend clash against Arsenal, the former Swansea manager will be left with Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure as the only recognised centre-backs in the squad.

Meanwhile, Glen Johnson also picked up a groin injury during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The England international will miss the clash against Arsenal later this weekend.

Another summer signing Mario Balotelli will also miss the Arsenal game as the Italian international was suspended after the Football Association handed him a one match ban for his post on Instagram.

The pressure is on Rodgers and Liverpool and a victory over Arsenal will be a massive boost for the Reds for their upcoming fixtures during the busy festive period.