LIVERPOOL’S PREPARATIONS for Saturday’s Merseyside derby have been severely dented with news that Adam Lallana is set to miss the hosting of Everton with a thigh injury.

The England international, directly involved in four goals for his country during his last five appearances, sustained a kick late on during the 2-0 victory over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Sunday.

A scan on Monday revealed the damage, and while no official timeframe has been provided, the influential midfielder is expected to spend a month out of action.

If that is the case, he would not only be sidelined for the Anfield test with Ronald Koeman’s side, but the home fixtures against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace along with the trips to Stoke and West Brom.

The setback is a sizeable one for Liverpool given Lallana’s importance to their efforts in and out of possession. He has featured in 27 of Liverpool’s 29 Premier League games and has scored seven league goals so far this season.

Jordan Henderson has stepped up his rehabilitation from a foot injury, though, and Jurgen Klopp will hope to ease the blow by reintroducing his captain to the centre of the park this weekend.

The 26-year-old has not featured since the 2-0 home win over Tottenham on February 11.

Additional reporting by Sinead Farrell.