Livepool midfield star steps up World Cup fitness bid

Michael Graham

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has travelled to South Africa to receive specialist treatment as he searches for a return from hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old is receiving treatment at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town, which Press Association Sport understands was selected by the club’s medical department to aid the England international’s return to fitness.

Lallana has made just three starts and 10 substitute appearances in an injury-ravaged season which did not start until late November because of a thigh injury.

There have been a couple of recurrences of that problem while his latest comeback was ended prematurely on March 31 when he was on the pitch for just five minutes before a hamstring injury forced him off.

Liverpool have taken their time with Lallana in the second half of the season after manager Jurgen Klopp admitted they had probably brought him back too soon from his initial setback.

The club will continue that cautious approach in the final month of the campaign and while the midfielder has not yet been ruled out of their remaining matches he will hope to be able to prove his fitness in time for World Cup consideration.

Liverpool have confirmed three high-profile friendlies for their participation in this summer’s International Champions Cup in the United States, where they will face Klopp’s former side Borussia Dortmund in Charlotte on July 22, Premier League champions Manchester City in New Jersey three days later and Manchester United in Michigan on July 28.