Adam Lallana admits his injury nightmare impacted his friendship with Liverpool teammate and “best mate” Jordan Henderson.
The 31-year-old was out for the vast majority of last season with numerous injuries.
Lallana eventually worked his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s squad and won a place on the bench for the Champions League final, with the midfielder describing the impact of his time away from the game.
“There were loads of periods during last season when I was sad and angry, not at anyone in particular, just at the situation,” he told The Times.
“I was continually battling to contribute, to be dependable to my teammates because when you get injured, it is almost, not a sign of weakness, but you are not able to do your job.
“Around then I had become distant to Jordan. I knew how important that period was for him and he had important things to focus on, being captain of the club. I didn’t want him to worry about me.
“I remember one time Jordan picked me up and for the first five minutes, I couldn’t say anything or look at him. But he knew. Eventually, we did speak about what was happening with me. I got it all out.”
Henderson featured throughout pre-season, presenting the potential for a new role as a deep-lying midfielder to Klopp.
But after being omitted from the squad against Norwich, which came as an “eye-opener” for him, Lallana is convinced his chance will come again at Anfield.
“It is a 60-game season and I look at my last couple of seasons and think just be patient, be persistent and eventually my chance will come," Lallana claimed.
“If I am fit, I am sure I will contribute in a big way.”
