'Exceptional' Lallana included in Liverpool squad for Chelsea game

Adam Lallana will be in Liverpool's squad for the game against Chelsea on Wednesday, with Jurgen Klopp wanting the player to be part of the champions' title celebrations.

Lallana has figured sparingly during the 2019-20 season, making just three Premier League starts. He has also not been involved since the action resumed in June, having signed a short-term extension to remain at the club.

However, the 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign and will be leaving the Reds, though he may yet get the chance to play one final time for the home team at Anfield.

Klopp has confirmed he will include the England international – a player he describes as a "joy" to work with – in his 20-man group to take on Chelsea, with the trophy presentation to follow after the game.

MATCHDAY Today's the day. The wait is over #LFCchampions #LFCatHome pic.twitter.com/LCOXoHl1QI
— Liverpool FC (Premier League Champions) (@LFC) July 22, 2020

"He will be in the squad, 100 per cent," Klopp told the club's official website. "That's the good thing in my job that I can decide that, and it was 100 per cent clear that it will happen.

"I want him to be there in the full kit and feel how important he is and was for us during my five years of being here now.

"Each day together with him was a joy, to be honest. Working together with somebody who loves football that much and throws his heart and soul into each session was new to me.

"Honestly, we have a few players like this – but Adam is exceptional because usually when you are skilled like he is, it's often the case that you lack a little bit of attitude. The mix he brings here is really special.

"He was so important and so that's why it was 100 per cent clear he would be in the squad tonight and I am happy we can do that."

Liverpool can no longer reach a century of points with two games to play. After hosting Chelsea on Merseyside, they finish off with a trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.