Although he’s not expected to play any part in tomorrow’s trip to Villa Park, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers revealed in his pre-match press conference that attacking midfielder Adam Lallana is ahead of schedule on his return to fitness after picking up a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The former Southampton captain, who was expected to be out for at least a month, will likely return to full training later on today and will be assessed before the meeting with Aston Villa on Saturday. While that particular meeting is likely to come a touch too soon for him, the Reds manager did reveal that they’re expecting he’ll be fit for the first leg of the League Cup semi-final with Chelsea on Tuesday.
“He was playing very, very well and has settled into the club very well. He’s ahead of schedule in terms of his rehabilitation. We’re hoping he can join the group tomorrow to train” the Northern Irishman said yesterday. “If he’s not available for the weekend, then certainly for Chelsea he will be. He’s a wonderful technician; he’s linked up with players when he’s played and he will only get better as his time progresses here at the club.”
With Lallana sidelined, youngster Lazar Markovic has stepped up in his absence, scoring the only goal during last weekend’s win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. While the Serbian attacker has impressed in the short spell that he’s been deployed in a more attacking role, Liverpool have also recalled 19-year old Jordon Ibe from his successful loan spell at Derby County. With a raft of matches on the horizon, it’s always good to have options — and having Lallana back sooner rather than later will only add to that.
