Liverpool have been handed an injury blow ahead of their trip to St Mary's to face Southampton on Saturday (19 November) with Adam Lallana expected to miss the clash against his former club due to a groin problem.

The Reds midfielder scored England's opening goal against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday (15 November) but limped off in the 26<sup>th minute following a challenge by Thiago Alacantra. Lallana returned to Melwood and underwent a scan, but it is believed that a scan is required to ascertain the true extent of the damage, with the full diagnosis expected only on Thursday, and if the injury puts him at risk for Saturday, he is likely to be omitted by Jurgen Klopp.

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According to the Daily Mail, the midfielder's injury is a recurrence of the groin injury he suffered during Liverpool's win over Swansea City in September, which kept him out for around two weeks. He missed England's World Cup qualifier clashes against Malta and Slovenia during his spell on the sidelines.

The injury, however, is expected to be minor this time around and the former Southampton star could return to training next week, and be available for Liverpool's clash against Sunderland on 26 November.

Lallana's absence will be a big blow to Klopp as the midfielder has been one of the most influential players for club and country this season, with Liverpool sitting on top of the Premier League table a point ahead of Chelsea in second place after 11 games. He has scored three and assisted five in 11 games for the Reds, while scoring three goals in as many games for the Three Lions.

Adam Lallana
Jurgen Klopp could be without Adam Lallana for Liverpool's clash against Southampton at St Mary's Getty

Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to take Lallana's place in the squad for the visit to St Mary's. The former Newcastle United midfielder was a regular member of the starting XI for the first seven games of the Premier League campaign, but has lost his place to Emre Can in recent games, and the game against the Saints will be a good opportunity for the Dutchman to stake his claim for a starting spot in the future.

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