Adam Lallana has endured injury struggles at Liverpool but remains a “top three or four player for England”, claims Jurgen Klopp.
The 29-year-old has been restricted to just 12 appearances across all competitions this season, with only one Premier League start taken in.
He was forced to sit out training again this week after picking up another knock, but was considered fit enough to make the latest England squad.
Klopp will have no issue with the creative midfielder representing his country in friendly dates with the Netherlands and Italy, with it important for one of the Three Lions’ top talents to get important minutes under his belt – especially in World Cup year.
The Liverpool boss said: “Adam’s injury was a really big injury. It needed time.
“I spoke to Gareth [Southgate] this week and told him it was a big challenge to have him around and not use him.
“But he needs more recovery time.
“I said he would be fit next week 100 per cent – he’s welcome to play him [for England].
“Adam has had probably the most difficult season of his career so far but he is still a top three or four player for England, 100%.”
Lallana has struggled with thigh problems in recent times, with a niggling ailment proving difficult to shake.
He has, however, taken in more regular outings of late and will be hoping to figure prominently in Premier League and Champions League competition over the coming weeks as he seeks to secure a place in the England squad heading to Russia this summer.