Liverpool: Lallana joins teammates for pre-season training
Adam Lallana’s involvement with Liverpool last season was limited due to the multiple injuries the midfielder suffered.
However, despite having regained his fitness for this campaign, Lallana admitted he was shocked when boss Jurgen Klopp hadn’t even selected him for the matchday squad for Liverpool’s season opener against Norwich City.
“I didn't make the squad for the first game of the season [against Norwich City] and that was a bit of an eye-opener,” Lallana told The Times.
“I didn't see that happening. I hadn't experienced that since I was growing up at Southampton.”
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I didn't make the squad for the first game of the season [against Norwich City] and that was a bit of an eye-opener
Lallana swapped St Marys for Anfield back in 2014 when Liverpool paid £25million for the attacking midfielder.
Before the transfer the playmaker had just been involved with England at the World Cup in Brazil, however, over the next few years he would see injuries limit his involvement with his club and the national team.
Lallana’s last cap for the Three Lions came off the bench in a 1-1 draw with Italy back in March 2018.
But the player admits before he can even think about playing for England again he needs to get back to playing for Liverpool first.
The 31-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with the Reds but is not concerned about what the future holds for him.
“Worry is the wrong word,” he added.
“Of course, you think ahead and like to plan to a degree. I love it here. But I’m not obsessing about my future.
“Being as fit as I can, and working as hard as I can, is at the forefront of my mind.
“The rest will take care of itself.”
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Despite not being included in the squad against the Canaries, Klopp did put Lallana on the bench for their last four games and gave him his first minutes in their 3-1 win over Arsenal.
However, Lallana is expecting to play more games as Liverpool have a busy fixture list coming up, with the Reds facing a game every three days until the middle of January.
“It is a 60-game season and I look at my last couple of seasons and think just be patient, be persistent and eventually my chance will come,” he added.
“If I am fit, I am sure I will contribute in a big way.”