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A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.

Africa, Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya Africa, Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya

Lallana goes to Africa for rehab

Will Lallana be fit enough to cause a selection problem for Southgate?

Adam Lallana walks off Anfield after sustaining injury in the English Premier League

For so long, Africa has been at the backseat. People aspired to go abroad for the best facilities in healthcare, sports, only to mention but a few. Today, we see the tables turning. This is thanks to Adam Lallana’s decision to fly to South Africa to get treatment and rehab after suffering another hamstring injury. The Liverpool midfielder has been named Klopp’s workhorse for his tireless pressing during the first campaign of the Liverpool boss. The player has since suffered from recurring injuries which have kept him out of the squad and have seen the club pretty much brought in a replacement in Oxlade-Chamberlain who joined from Arsenal. Lallana returned this season but his last match was against Crystal Palace in March in which he only played for 5 minutes. An international player from England has left not only his country but his continent, Europe, to come to Africa for his rehab as confirmed by Liverpool Echo.

This is a sign that Africa is rising and is not far behind as everyone anticipated. Lallana is believed to be using the facilities at Sports Science Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. His manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the player’s setback was very serious hence he required the best attention in a race against time to make it to the England squad that will fly to Russia for this year’s World Cup tournament. The player has made just 13 appearances this season and it would be a very big call by Southgate if he decides to pick him ahead of other players who have played more games this season. We wish the best for Lallana in his recovery and hope he will spread the word of how good the continent has been to him.

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Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya

Derby Weekend - Saturday: Merseyside Derby Preview Everton vs Liverpool

Everton vs Liverpool

Liverpool face Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday. The English Premier League clash between the two could not come at a better time for the Reds who are fresh from defeating Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. The Liverpool team played their hearts out in that match which makes one wonder if they will have enough energy and drive for the match against their local rivals. First of all, the fans have to behave in the match otherwise there could be serious repercussions on the day. Liverpool are expected to lineup without their star forward, Mo Salah who is the current top goal scorer in the EPL with 29. The Egyptian genius was forced off the field with a suspected groin injury in their last match and his manager, Jurgen Klopp, has said that he will not risk playing the player if he is not 100% fit. The player has been recovering in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Adam Lallana, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez are the other absentees from Klopp’s side. Danny Ings is looking likely to start the match which affords a well-deserved rest to Firmino.

Everton players Oumar Niasse and Idrissa Gueye playing against Tottenham in the English Premier League (EPL)

Everton manager Sam Allardyce believes that the derby came at the right time and could be their opportunity to claim some bragging rights over a club that is focused on the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. He plans on nullifying Liverpool attack. Everton are expected to have Idrissa Gana Gueye back to compete after missing the club’s last match against Manchester City last weekend. Ashley Williams also returns after completing a 3 match ban. The blues will be looking to get one over Liverpool after having only won 1 of their last 22 meetings with the club in the league. What’s your prediction of the early kickoff? Will Everton finally best Liverpool in the league after a long struggle?

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