Liverpool Scare as Adam Lallana Limps Out of England Friendly

One of these days Liverpool players will come out of one of these international breaks with a 100% injury-free. Adam Lallana appears to be the latest key player in Jürgen Klopp’s squad to pick up a knock on duty for country, limping off after a hard tackle in a friendly against Spain.

The former Southampton man had started brightly, scoring a ninth-minute penalty to put England 1-0 ahead after former Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina brought Jamie Vardy down in the box. Lallana had provided the long-range through ball to the Leicester City striker and deservedly slotted home his third goal in as many games for England. His blistering form was set to continue until Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara cynically brought the 28-year-old down in the 24th minute to leave Liverpool fans with hearts in mouth. While Lallana was able to walk off under his own power, he was immediately substituted for Theo Walcott and headed straight down the tunnel for treatment.

Klopp will be sweating the midfielder’s fitness for Saturday’s clash against Southampton due to the vital role he currently occupies in his side. Sitting atop the Premier League table with only two points separating his side from the remainder of the top four, the German will be looking to extend his 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions and maintain momentum going into to the grueling Christmas period of fixtures.

Lallana has been an integral part of the team’s excellent performances this season, scoring three and laying five more in a new position in central midfield. However, with Georginio Wijnaldum making his way back to full fitness after taking a knock last international period and surviving this one, Klopp will still be able to build a strong engine room of the Dutch midfielder, Emre Can and captain Jordan Henderson in the event Lallana ends up on the sideline for a significant period.

Thankfully this is the last international break until March, and Klopp and the rest of the Anfield faithful will be hoping for as short a layoff for Lallana as possible.