Liverpool Star To Step-Up Injury Comeback But Klopp Sweats On Fitness Of Duo

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is set to step-up his injury comeback by playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly next week, according to the Mirror.

Lallana suffered a thigh injury during pre-season and Jurgen Klopp was initially hopeful the problem was only a minor issue that wouldn’t keep the midfielder out for too long.

However, the injury has proven to be far more serious than anyone had anticipated as the England international has been forced to miss the entire season so far.

Lallana spent time in Dubai during his rehabilitation but has been back at Melwood working on his fitness in recent weeks and is now taking part in full training with the rest of the first team squad.

After spending over three months on the sidelines, obviously Lallana is going to be lacking match practice so it seems Klopp has arranged a behind-closed-doors friendly to help get him back up to full speed.

The Mirror claim Lallana will start the friendly game against outside opposition next week along with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a host of young players.

Klopp will be hoping Lallana comes through the game unscathed as the midfielder has been sorely missed this season so it will be a huge boost to Liverpool when he’s available for selection again.

The 29-year-old was an integral part of Klopp’s starting eleven last season but it will be interesting to see how the Reds boss lines-up once all his players are fit with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Gini Wijnaldum and Erme Can all vying with Lallana for a starting spot.

Klopp will also be keeping a close eye on the fitness of Coutinho while he’s away on international duty after he was called up by Brazil despite still feeling the effects of an adductor injury that’s kept him out of the last few games.

Liverpool will also be sweating over Sadio Mane as he’s only recently returned to action after recovering from a hamstring injury and the attacker is due to play for Senegal in their World Cup qualifiers.

The last thing Klopp needs if for Coutinho or Mane to aggravate their injuries while away with their countries so I’m sure the Reds boss will be keeping a close eye on his players over the coming week.