Adam Lallana looks set to be afforded a smooth and gradual reintegration as he continues his recovery from injury.
The Liverpool midfielder is yet to play this campaign having torn a thigh muscle during the club’s pre-season preparations.
As keen as both his club and country will be to have him back in action, Lallana will be taking no risks as his expected return period edges ever closer.
England manager Gareth Southgate is unlikely to select the 29-year-old for next month’s games against Brazil and Germany, in order to avoid triggering further damage, reports the Daily Mail.
This will come as a boost for Liverpool, who have so often been victims of important players suffering injuries whilst on international duty.
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Though Southgate’s protection doesn’t speed up Lallana’s progress, it does somewhat rule out rushing the former Southampton man back to full fitness.
Jurgen Klopp will be, especially, pleased to give one of his key men the freedom to work without pressure on his shoulders and with the time he needs to ensure there is no repeat.
The German was recently unhappy with England for ‘overusing’ Jordan Henderson and risking the Reds’ captain, who has suffered heavily with injuries over the last year, on an artificial surface against Lithuania.
Lallana’s eventual return will give Liverpool a major lift in the absence of the injured Sadio Mane and amid a crucial period for the team.