Klopp not blaming England boss Southgate for Lallana injury

Rob McCarthy
Adam Lallana: In action for England against Germany

Adam Lallana: In action for England against Germany

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has not put the blame on England boss Gareth Southgate for Adam Lallana’s injury on international duty.

The Reds forward, who has been one of Klopp’s most consistent performers this season, suffered a thigh injury while away with England and is set to be on the sidelines for a month.

England faced Germany in a friendly last Wednesday before taking on Lithuania, the game in which Lallana suffered his knock, in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Liverpool will face Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield on Saturday and Klopp will have to do without Lallana.

He said: “I couldn’t be less relaxed about this but it’s not about blaming Gareth Southgate. I wasn’t happy that Lallana played on Wednesday but it’s not my decision.

“It’s always about fixtures, when we play who and the players have to do the work. Sometimes things like this happen.

“German players were also injured in the game. Their coaches aren’t happy either.

“We can handle situations better if we work together. We can all say ‘they earn that much’, that’s true, but it doesn’t help in those situations. We aren’t the only team to suffer.”