Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he kept Adam Lallana's recent injury problems a secret because he didn't want opponents to target him in matches.
The England international, who signed for the Reds from Southampton in the summer for a reported £25m fee, has been playing with broken ribs.
The midfielder suffered the problem during Liverpool's 3-1 win over Leicester City at the start of the month.
"He took a nasty injury in the game against Leicester and I didn't mention it because I wanted to protect the player and make sure he wasn't targeted in games," Rodgers told reporters.
"He looks fully up to speed. He's obviously had some work done since he's been here and watching him in training, he's been fine. He's been available, but not fully fit. He looks much, much better now."
Lallana could play in Sunday's showdown against arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
