Klopp blames hectic scheduling for Lallana's injury

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Friday said England and Liverpool international Adam Lallana's injury is not due to national team coach Gareth Southgate but due to the game's schedules.

Klopp said the stakeholders need to work on scheduling while finalising international fixtures.

Lallana picked up a thigh injury during England's World Cup qualifying triumph over Lithuania at Wembley last weekend.

"I was not happy that he played on Wednesday, but it is not about blaming Gareth Southgate," Klopp told BBC.

"I think it is absolutely normal to have contact with the manager of the national team. It is not about appreciating (the call) it is about the normal situation. We both share players.

"I respect 100 per cent the decisions of other managers because they have to respect my decisions, too," he added.

Starting with Saturday's Merseyside derby, the 28-year-old in-form player, will miss up to a month of competitive football.

"I really think we could handle these situations better if we work together. As long as we do not work together we will have these situations all the time," Klopp said.

Liverpool are fourth in the English Premier League table having 56 points from 29 games.

--IANS

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