Liverpool's Adam Lallana hopeful injury nightmare is finally over
Lallana sustained a thigh strain in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in August
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Adam Lallana hopes his injury nightmare is finally over over after making his long-awaited first start of the season for Liverpool.
The England international played 86 minutes of the 2-1 New Year's Day win at Burnley after just 43 minutes in three previous substitute appearances after eventually recovering from a thigh strain.
Lallana sustained the injury in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in August and - after a setback in his recovery - eventually returned to action in the draw at home to Chelsea in late November.
"It tests different parts of you mentally but I feel that I have learned so much from being injured, different parts of the game," said the 29-year-old. "I have come back strong. I had a couple of little setbacks, a minor blister and then a tight muscle but that is what happens.
"Maybe it is credit to the manager over the last few games, holding me back. I had good training sessions but I am back now. I have lasted a game after being out for four, five months and I am in good shape."
Lallana is now looking to play a greater part in the second half of the season as Liverpool look to maintain their 16-match unbeaten run, which includes Jurgen Klopp's longest unbeaten Premier League stretch (13).
A year ago, January was when an unlikely title bid foundered after the team failed to record a league win in the month, but this year things already look different.
"We are in amongst the top four, in the last 16 of the Champions League," added Lallana. "There are so many great games to look forward to, like the FA Cup (at home to Everton on Friday). I'm absolutely delighted to be back and part of a winning team again.
"To concede as we did (in the 87th minute at Burnley) and then go up the other end and get our goal from a set-piece shows the steps we have made moving forward.
"It has been frustrating for me watching from the sidelines but it is great to see how much we have improved. To be a part of it again is a great feeling."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments