Manager Brendan Rodgers said Lallana (thigh) has a shot to return for Saturday's match against Aston Villa, though if he cannot, he is expected back for next Tuesday's Capital One Cup match against Chelsea.

Lallana suffered the injury on New Year's Day against Leicester and was expected to be out for a month, but he's ahead of schedule in his recovery, and he could return more than a week early. Given the fitness questions, he's unlikely to start at Villa Park, if he's cleared to play, though he will certainly be available for Liverpool's next Premier League match, which comes Jan. 31 against West Ham, as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks.

Lallana will miss the next month of competition with a thigh injury, BBC Sport reports.

Lallana suffered the thigh injury against Leicester City on New Year's Day and has been sidelined ever since. His absence will likely create more opportunities for the likes of Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling up front, and even Philippe Coutinho could benefit from the extra time with the ball.

Lallana picked up a thigh injury during Thursday's 2-2 tie with Leicester City, the Daily Mail reports.

Lallana got off two shots before exiting early in the 55th minute. Fortunately for the forward, Liverpool doesn't have another Premier League match until Jan. 10 against Sunderland, that is assuming he won't be needed in FA Cup competition against AFC Wimbledon on Jan. 5.

Lallana scored two goals during the 4-1 rout of Swansea City on Monday.

Lallana doubled his scoring total Monday as he now has four goals on the season. This outburst was likely in part to the fact that Steven Gerrard was off the pitch to rest, so Lallana had more opportunities with the ball. Even so, Lallana will head into the New Years Day match against Leicester City on a heater.

Lallana got the start Sunday against Manchester United, but he was taken off in favor of Mario Balotelli at halftime after failing to register a single shot.

Lallana continues to battle through two cracked ribs, and while he didn't technically get a shot off Sunday, he was very active and it was quite surprising that he was taken off. His playing time continues to be very inconsistent, making him a tough fantasy option week-to-week.

Lallana missed Tuesday's Champions League match against FC Basel with two fractured ribs, but he is expected to be fit for Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester United, The Guardian reports.

Lallana reportedly suffered the injury against Leicester City nearly 10 days ago, but he will be given a chance to feature against United. He's been in-and-out of the starting XI this season, though he's shown solid play with Rickie Lambert of late, which could give him more playing time.

Lallana, starting for just the second time in Premier League play since Oct. 25, scored his second goal of the season during Tuesday's 3-1 win over Leicester City.

Lallana went completely unused in Liverpool's last two matches despite picking up a great assist on a Rickie Lambert goal against Crystal Palace on Nov. 23. Liverpool spent £25 million to bring Lallana over from Southampton this past summer, so it's been mystifying why his playing time is so inconsistent, but maybe Tuesday's goal will earn him a consistent starting spot heading into Saturday's home game against Sunderland.