Adam Lallana Injury: Updates on Liverpool Star's Status and Return

Adam Lallana injured his thigh during Liverpool's match vs. Leicester but is expected to be back sooner than first feared.

Continue for updates.

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Lallana on Bench for Aston Villa

Liverpool's official Twitter feed reported that Lallana made Saturday's squad against Aston Villa:

Brendan Rodgers confirmed during Thursday's press conference that Lallana will be back for their Capital One Cup semi-final first leg with Chelsea, per the Mirror's Ben Burrows:

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Rodgers says Adam Lallana is ahead of schedule and if he doesn't make the Villa game, he'll be fit for Chelsea in the Capital One Cup next week.

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Rodgers Hoping for Less Than a Month

Monday, Jan. 5

Simon Peach of the Press Association reported the expected absence time for Lallana following his thigh injury:

However, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is hopeful his summer signing may return slightly sooner, per the Reds' official website:

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More or less [a month out], it might be a bit shorter than that.

It's a slight strain that he has. There's no real timeline on it yet, but hopefully it won't be as long as that.

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Lallana Leaves Leicester Match 

Thursday, Jan. 1

Liverpool star Adam Lallana suffered an injury that forced the talented midfielder to leave the club's match against Leicester. 

Liverpool's official Twitter feed provided further information about the situation:

Lallana started his Liverpool career on a sour note. He suffered a knee injury during a preseason training session that ended up costing him a trio of matches before his debut finally arrived. He's also fought through a rib issue originally picked up in a match against Leicester City in early December.

When healthy, the England international has brought a solid attacking presence to the Reds' lineup. He's only flashed top form, but should develop a little more consistency once he's able to go an extended stretch without injuries.

That wait may continue depending on the severity of the latest issue, though. In the meantime, the only silver lining for Liverpool is the fact the club does have pretty good depth in the midfield. Brendan Rodgers could use a rotation to fill the void.

Of course, the Reds would rather Lallana avoid another notable injury setback and make a swift return to the pitch.