Liverpool send Adam Lallana for rehab in Qatar as midfielder gears up for long-awaited return in November
- Adam Lallana has not played so far this season due to a serious thigh injury
- The England midfielder is eyeing a comeback in the middle of next month
- Liverpool are sending him to Qatar to build up his fitness ahead of returning
Liverpool have sent Adam Lallana to a specialist clinic in Qatar as he edges closer to a first-team return.
The England international has not played this season due to a thigh injury he sustained in training on August 4. He has been badly missed by club and country in the last two months.
Lallana ruptured a tendon in his left thigh, an issue that was initially so serious he required crutches and his leg to be placed in a brace. The only saving grace was the fact he did not require surgery.
Adam Lallana is finally nearing his comeback after ruptured a tendon in his left thigh
His rehabilitation, however, has gone smoothly and he was able to move from gym work to running outside towards the end of September. Providing all continues to go to plan, he is likely to be in contention to play again in the middle of next month.
To break up his routine, though, Liverpool have opted to send Lallana to the renowned Aspire facility in Qatar with a member of their medical staff, where he can continue his programme and be treated at the Aspetar Sporting Clinic.
Liverpool will not put a specific date on when the 29-year-old will be available but a November return would be a fillip for Jurgen Klopp, as his side face 13 games in 44 days after the next international break.
Liverpool have badly missed the skilful England playmaker during his long absence
Klopp is not in any hurry to make a new appointment to his backroom staff after Andy Renshaw, the former head of physiotherapy, was sacked at the end of last week, 15 months after he was brought in to replace Chris Morgan.
While Liverpool continue to assess their options, Matt Konopinski will be the physio who takes to the pitch should any player need treatment in Saturday's clash with Manchester United.
United boss Jose Mourinho is concerned about Belgium's plans to play Romelu Lukaku in a meaningless World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Tuesday night - less than four days before United face Liverpool.
Lukaku missed Belgium's win over Bosnia at the weekend with an ankle injury, but manager Roberto Martinez confirmed on Monday that he is '100 per cent available' for selection.
Belgium have already qualified for the World Cup finals and Mourinho is understood to be wary of his top scorer playing in a dead rubber so close to the Liverpool game on Saturday lunchtime.
However, he will not interfere, having insisted the decision is down to Martinez.
Martinez said: 'Romelu is fit and available, he's training with us. And, no, I have not received a call from Mourinho.'
Jose Mourinho is concerned about Belgium's plans to play Romelu Lukaku on Tuesday
Lukaku and his team are set to take on Cyprus in a meaningless World Cup qualifier
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