Lallana could be back before mid-November

LONDON • Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana could return from a thigh injury after the next international break early next month, the Premier League football club's manager Jurgen Klopp has said.

He last played during the Reds' pre-season loss to Atletico Madrid in August.

The club said that the 29-year-old had returned to their training ground on Monday to continue his recovery.

REUTERS

Sonny Bill still in coach's good books

SYDNEY • All Blacks rugby coach Steve Hansen has defended Sonny Bill Williams from criticism in the New Zealand media, praising the midfielder's "hard work" on the field after a long comeback from injury.

Pundits have declared Williams a spent force after some low-key performances during the Rugby Championship. Hansen, however, said he was satisfied with Williams' output given his long rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon during last year's Rio Olympics.

REUTERS

Wallabies setback with Rodda out

MELBOURNE • Australia have suffered a heavy injury blow in the lead-up to the final Bledisloe Cup rugby match against New Zealand, with lock Izack Rodda to undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut against the All Blacks in August, had carried the injury through the back end of the Rugby Championship but decided to end his season to be ready for next year.

REUTERS

Ervin latest athlete to kneel during anthem

LOS ANGELES • Two-time Olympic 50 metres freestyle champion Anthony Ervin has joined the ranks of athletes protesting against racism during the US national anthem by kneeling for a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at a swim meet in Brazil.

Ervin, 36, who became the oldest man to win an individual Olympic swimming gold with victory in Rio last year, 16 years after winning in Sydney, made the move during the Raia Rapida gala.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE