Adam Lallana is believed to have returned to full training on Thursday, and could be available for Liverpool’s clash with former club Bournemouth.
Lallana missed the Reds’ last three games with a groin injury picked up on international duty with England, but is now preparing to return to action.
According to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old joined full training at Melwood on Thursday, and could make Jurgen Klopp‘s squad at Dean Court.
Liverpool’s No. 20 was with Bournemouth up to the age of 12, before joining Southampton in 2000, while he spent a month on loan with the Cherries in 2007.
He has established himself as a key member of Klopp’s first team, thriving in an aggressive, box-to-box midfield role, and his energy and tenacity have been noticeably lacking in recent weeks.
Though Liverpool drew 0-0 with Southampton and beat both Sunderland and Leeds United 2-0 without Lallana, his importance to Klopp’s 4-3-3 system was underlined by their disjointed displays.
Whether he will be fit to start against Bournemouth remains to be seen, with Sky Sports merely reporting that he has “a chance of returning.”
Two players who will be available for Klopp, however, are Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi, who have shaken off minor knocks suffered against Sunderland and Leeds respectively.
Both are likely to start in the German’s attacking line, with Sadio Mane set to join them in Liverpool’s typical three-man unit.
Philippe Coutinho (ankle) is unavailable for the trip to the south coast, as is Danny Ings (knee), while Daniel Sturridge (calf) is also a concern after missing a week of training.
Klopp also revealed that Joel Matip was left out against Leeds due to a slight issue, but the Cameroon international should return against Bournemouth.
The last time Liverpool took on the Cherries at Dean Court came in April, when goals from Firmino and Sturridge sealed a 2-1 victory for a side that included youngsters Danny Ward, Connor Randall, Brad Smith, Kevin Stewart, Sheyi Ojo and Jordon Ibe.
After making eight changes to his side to take on Leeds at Anfield on Tuesday, however, Klopp is likely to revert to his strongest starting lineup.
The return of Lallana will boost his options, and Liverpool can hope to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competition, and continue their bid for the Premier League title.
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