Liverpool’s midfield options expand as Joe Allen is set to return

Joe Allen

Joe Allen is set to make a return from a lengthy injury lay-off in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United in October. This news will delight Liverpool fans as the club have looked rather light in the middle of the park.

The Welshman has been sidelined due to a hamstring problem since August, but the midfielder toldLiverpool’s official website that he is closing in on full fitness.

“I’m almost there, basically. The plan is to get back into training, get a good few days leading up to the Newcastle game and hopefully I’ll be available for selection from there on,” Allen told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It has been a bit of a frustrating time – it always is when you’re injured – but I’m finally getting there. It was the one I had in the back of my mind anyway, so it has worked out quite nicely in that sense.

“With the timing of the injury, I hadn’t really got into the swing of things. This is a fresh start to the season for me personally. It is great to come back with the team doing so well.”

Allen is yet to get going for Liverpool after picking up a succession of injuries – he had an operation on his shoulder last season – but the Reds midfielder is eager to start anew.

However, the former Swansea star could find it tough to dislodge Liverpool’s current midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva – the latter returning from suspension.

Liverpool are gunning for the Champions League spots and manager Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with their fine start to the season which sees them occupy second place after seven games.

Allen epitomises Rodgers’ passing philosophy and he showed why in 2012/13 where he recorded an incredible 90% passing accuracy from over 1,300 successful passes.