Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has been ruled out for at least two months with a thigh strain, manager Jürgen Klopp has today confirmed. The injury to the English international was sustained during the Red’s pre-season matchup on Wednesday night against Atlético Madrid in the Audi Cup Final.
“Unfortunately, the damage is such that it will likely mean Adam is out for a couple of months not weeks, so I think we can pretty much rule him out of August and September. This is certainly not news we would have wanted,” Klopp has said today, as his Anfield side prepare for their final pre-season matchup against Basque side Athletic Club Bilbao in Dublin.
Liverpool lose Lallana to injury
Not only will the 29-year-old miss the opening to the 2017/18 Premier League season, but is also expected to miss key England qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Lallana’s injury is major blow to the Merseyside club, as well as to Gareth Southgate and the national team. The Southampton Academy product prospered in a deeper midfield role in the 2016/17 campaign for Liverpool, netting eight goals and clocking up a further seven assists. His work rate, intensity and contribution to the gegen-pressing style of play in a midfield-three has in-fact made him one of Klopp’s more integral players in the squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been drawn to play German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the two-legged Champions League Qualifier—a tough draw that signifies the need for increased strength in depth should the Reds successfully compete both domestically and in European competition. With Lallana out for a considerable period, Klopp may need to act fast, despite the other midfield options at his disposal, with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum. Losing the 29-year-old could reignite transfer business for Liverpool in attacking midfield areas, with the likes of Arsenal’s Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain still being linked.
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