Lallana has not played this season having suffered the injury in pre-season

Adam Lallana has been sent to a specialist centre in Qatar as he steps up his recovery from a thigh injury before his return for Liverpool.

The midfielder has not featured this term after rupturing a tendon in his left thigh in pre-season and his absence has been keenly felt by both Liverpool and England.

Lallana initially had his leg in a brace and was using crutches following the setback at the beginning of August, but started jogging outside at the end of September and remains on course to launch his comeback in November.

Lallana has been missed by Liverpool and England SHAUN BOTTERILL/GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool have opted to provide the 29-year-old with a change of scenery and have sent Lallana to the Aspire facility in the Middle East, where he will continue his fitness schedule