Liverpool midfielder Thiago is highly unlikely to be fit enough in time to face Manchester City on Saturday, and uncertainty prevails as to when he’ll return.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played since early February due to a hip flexor injury, having last featured in the 3-0 defeat at Wolves (Transfermarkt).
In the lead-up to the weekend’s clash at the Etihad Stadium, the Liverpool Echo shared updates on Reds players who are currently nursing injuries, with an assessment as to their likelihood of featuring in that game.
While Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo could all potentially be fit enough to play a part on Saturday, the news on Thiago wasn’t as encouraging.
The Spain midfielder hadn’t resumed first team training prior to the international break, and a comeback against City is deemed ‘unlikely’, with the report stating that ‘there is still uncertainty over when he will be fit to return’.
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It’s obviously disappointing that the Spaniard looks set to miss the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side, and the apparent uncertainty over when he’ll be able to feature again is also a concern.
Starting from the game against Man City, Liverpool will play nine times in 36 days, so squad rotation could be imperative for Jurgen Klopp as the fixtures come thick and fast.
A heavy workload notwithstanding, having the 31-year-old back soon would be greatly beneficial for the Reds due to the qualities he can bring to midfield.
As per WhoScored performance metrics, Thiago is the fifth-highest rated player at Anfield this season, making more tackles per game (2.9) than anyone else at the club, while also ranking second for interceptions (1.3) and dribbles (1.4) per match.
His ability to stifle opposition attacks, as illustrated by the figures above, will make him a big miss against a free-scoring Man City side on Saturday, but here’s hoping we’ll see him back on the pitch before long.