Liverpool's fitness update includes good news for Martin Kelly, as well as an update on the severity of Joe Allen's chronic shoulder injury that further confounds as to why exactly he'd been selected for so long.
With news emerging early on Monday that Joe Allen's injured shoulder has forced a withdrawal from the Welsh squad, the midfielder should finally be able to get the surgery it's been clear he's needed for some time now.
In selecting a pre-op Joe Allen to replace a slightly injured Lucas, Brendan Rodgers not only did further damage to his favored player's already faltering reputation, but took away from Liverpool's chances at getting a result in Southampton.
With a damaged shoulder making it increasingly difficult for Joe Allen to play, the midfielder faces surgery within the next few weeks and a lengthy three-month absence following it.
Despite disappointment that a strong performance against Zenit wasn't enough to keep Liverpool in Europe, Joe Allen believes there are positives to take away and that the club can now focus on a strong run in the league.
After a very promising start, Joe Allen's form fell away worryingly. Now he looks to the Europa League for redemption.
With playing time hard to come by at the club level following a dip in his performances, Joe Allen hopes a key role in Wales' midfield will help him get back to his early season form.
Liverpool's captain turned in one of his best performances this season against Fulham on Saturday, one that he'll hopefully be able to build upon heading into the second half of the season.
The worst thing about a loss like last week's, or at least one of them, is that you now know it all has to start over for a winning streak that Liverpool require to give the season real hope and...
Performances of late have starkly contrasted with promising early season displays from both Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling, and today Brendan Rodgers indicated that they might get a much-needed rest.
We fell for it.
