Adam Lallana set to miss crucial Merseyside Derby

Everton’s injury troubles of late have been well documented in this space, with Seamus Coleman out for the season and then some, as well as Morgan Schneiderlin, Ramiro Funes Mori and James McCarthy being serious doubts for the upcoming match at Anfield.

However, Liverpool received bad news coming off the international break, as standout midfield playmaker Adam Lallana picked up a knock while on England duty and looks set to miss around a month.

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is a doubt for the Merseyside derby at home to Everton after suffering a thigh injury on England duty, a source has told ESPN FC.

Some reports suggested the midfielder could face a month on the sidelines, but the source said the club had yet to set a timescale for his return.

Lallana has been one of Liverpool’s most important players this season, and with captain Jordan Henderson just now returning to something resembling full health, would have been a crucial component of Jurgen Klopp’s plan to break down the Everton defense.

News also broke that striker Roberto Firmino was fighting a throat infection but still played Tuesday evening for Brazil against Paraguay. Liverpool were reported to have chartered a private jet to fly Firmino and fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield after the qualifier last night.

The scales are not totally even, and you hate to see anyone injured, but Ronald Koeman will be unlikely to complain about any sort of advantages as the Blues seek to win at Anfield for the first time since 1999.