England's Adam Lallana in action during the International friendly match at Wembley. Photo credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage via PA Images

Adam Lallana suffers potential injury in England friendly, could miss Southampton clash

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana was forced off with a suspected groin injury during England’s friendly clash with Spain on Tuesday night.

The 28-year-old started brightly at Wembley Stadium, pressing from the front in the No. 10 role, and scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after Jamie Vardy was brought down.

But his night ended early, with Lallana forced off the field with an injury, believed to be to his groin, after just 25 minutes.

Lallana headed straight down the tunnel as he left the field, suggesting he required further treatment, as Arsenal winger Theo Walcott took his place in the Three Lions’ attacking line.

“He’s being assessed by the medical team at the moment,” Gareth Southgate said after the game. “It was a great shame.”

The extent of Lallana’s injury remains to be seen, though he presented a positive front at full-time:

He suffered a similar problem earlier in the season, leaving the field 23 minutes into Liverpool’s 2-1 win away to Swansea City on October 1.

This saw him sidelined for the October international break, but he was fit to return as a substitute for Liverpool’s next outing, the 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United, on October 17.

The Reds’ next clash comes against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, with Lallana’s potential absence a major blow to Jurgen Klopp, particularly given the midfielder’s exceptional form.

Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game with Philippe Coutinho (right) against Watford. Nov 6 2016. (Picture by Dave Howarth PA Wire/PA Images)

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are also doubts for Klopp’s starting lineup at St. Mary’s, as they return late from international duty with Brazil.

The forward duo are due to fly back to Merseyside on Wednesday morning, allowing them a potential two days on the training field before the trip to the south coast.

This could see Klopp turn to other options against the Saints, with Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge both possibilities within the German’s attacking line, while Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum would be poised to join Jordan Henderson in midfield.

Young winger Sheyi Ojo has just returned from a three-month spell on the sidelines with a back injury, but is unlikely to feature in Klopp’s matchday squad on Saturday.

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