Liverpool have been dealt a crushing blow to their top four hopes after Adam Lallana was ruled out for up to a month with a thigh injury.

The midfielder is said to have picked up the injury during England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Lithuania last Sunday.

Since being moved into a central role, Lallana has enjoyed greater success at Anfield, scoring seven goals and recording seven assists in 27 appearances this season.

With just eight games left of the season, Lallana’s presence in all facets of the game will be sorely missed.

The 28-year-old will miss this Sunday’s Merseyside derby with Everton, while he’s also expected to sit out the games against Bournemouth, Stoke, West Brom and Crystal Palace later this month.