Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that Adam Lallana could have been selected in the starting eleven against Manchester United on Monday night despite a recent groin injury sustained in the 2-1 away win at Swansea a fortnight ago.
As a result of his injury, the highly-rated attacking midfielder could not take part in England's games against Malta and Slovenia during the international break.
Having spoken to Liverpool's official website, Klopp singled out Lallana for his contribution to the team's performance on Monday night despite a disappointing 0-0 draw against a defensive-minded Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs Lauds Adam Lallana for Sub Impact in Liverpool's Draw With Manchester United - https://t.co/5KDWgy2BXX pic.twitter.com/vGNNzqGhxA
The former Borussia Dortmund coach heaped praise on the midfielder for a positive display coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute against Jose Mourinho's Reds.
"He's a good player, so it was no surprise. But he trained for two days - maybe he could've started, I don't know, he was really close.
"Thank you to the medical department, the fitness coaches, because they did a great job. After two days training, he could've played, but no-one knows for how long.
"When he came in he was really sharp, greedy, after 12 or 13 days, to feel the ball again."
The England international has already scored three goals in seven appearances this season and has become a crucial player in Klopp's side.
Liverpool next play a home fixture against West Brom before a trip to Tottenham in the Capital One Cup, where the Merseysiders are expected to continue their momentum as Adam Lallana returns from his latest injuryspell.
Monday's game was only Klopp's second 0-0 draw - the last being in his first match against Tottenham in 2015 - and expectations of a more competent performance will increase as the Reds aim to sustain a title challenge this season.