Liverpool star Thiago ‘is facing ANOTHER spell on the sidelines’ after suffering muscle injury in his five-minute cameo against Arsenal after 10 months out
- The midfielder had only just returned to fitness after a long period of rest due to a hip problem
- Thiago arrived late at the Emirates and then developed a muscle problem
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Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is reportedly facing another sack after suffering a muscle injury during his five-minute cameo return against Arsenal.
The former Spain international, 32, came off the bench at the Emirates Stadium to play his first football in 10 months after a hip problem.
But according to The timesThiago suffered another setback during that brief appearance when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp picked up a fresh injury.
Thiago is in the final few months of his Liverpool contract, but Klopp was hoping to benefit from the midfielder’s experience as he battles in the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup final and Europa League in the coming weeks.
Prior to Sunday, Thiago’s last appearance for Liverpool was the 2-1 Premier League win against West Ham on April 26 last year.
Liverpool have been dealt a new injury blow after midfielder Thiago Alcantara suffered a muscle injury during a five-minute cameo return after a 10-month absence with a hip problem
He came on for Joe Gomez with five minutes remaining in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool
Thiago had been working hard to regain fitness after suffering a hip injury in April last year
It is not known how long Thiago will be sidelined but it comes ahead of an exciting run of games for Liverpool, who sit two points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
They will hope to get back on track after their loss to Arsenal when they host Burnley for matches against Brentford and Luton on Saturday.
The Reds next take on Chelsea at Wembley on February 25, before hosting Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.
Thiago joins fellow midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and striker Mohamed Salah on the treatment table. Both have hamstring injuries.
However, Klopp will be boosted by the return of Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo after their Asian Cup elimination.
Andy Robertson could get a first start against Burnley since returning from a dislocated shoulder while playing for Scotland in October.
With Ibrahima Konate suspended after being sent off for two yellow cards against Arsenal, Robertson could return at left-back, while Joe Gomez would line up alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
The development will come as a setback for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
