Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Chelsea does not take on any more significance despite two defeats in three matches.
Watford brought a surprise end to a 44-match Premier League run at the weekend and, with a loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League two games previously, there has been a small stutter in the Reds' imperious form this season.
They remain, however, still in the hunt for a treble with the next leg a last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge which probably attract more scrutiny than it would do otherwise as to how the players respond.
The Croatia international has often found himself bearing the brunt of unnecessary criticism but Klopp launched an impassioned defence of the 30-year-old.
"It's not fair, but that's the world. If anybody gave Dejan Lovren the blame for our defeat then I can't help these people," said the Reds boss, who revealed Gomez and midfielder James Milner were fit to return to the squad.
"A lot of times in my life I speak to people and they know less than I do about football, that's okay as I'm a well-paid Premier League manager and I should know more than most people.
"But on that level, I can't discuss it."
