Adam Lallana Makes Surprise Early Return from Injury

Liverpool are facing something of an injury crisis in midfield, with just three fit senior players available to Jürgen Klopp for Wednesday’s second leg Champions League semi-final against Roma. Or, just maybe now, four.

That’s because, despite a widespread belief that his season was over, Adam Lallana today was included in the travelling squad to face Roma, and while it’s doubtful he’s fit to start, that should mean he’s at least fit to make the bench.

If that in fact does come to pass it will at least give Klopp a more veteran midfield option to bring on for one of the two shuttling roles, as previously he had been reduced to looking at youth players behind his presumed starters.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Emre Can out of action, Jordan Henderson will start behind James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum in a workmanlike group. And Lallana, if fully fit, will now at least provide a creative option.

Given his injury record this year, though, and that nobody really expected him back before the end of the season, counting too much on his involvement might be risky. Still, that he might even be an option is a pleasant surprise.