LIVERPOOL have been dealt a HUGE injury blow with news that Thiago Alcantara will miss the Merseyside derby on Monday.
The Spain midfielder, 31, who has struggled with his fitness this campaign reportedly suffered a knock in training last week.
According to the Telegraph, the influential playmaker will be out for around a month – adding to Jurgen Klopp’s injury woes.
The Reds have not had the best of luck in keeping their first team stars fit.
Key figures including Virgil Van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Ibrahim Konate and Roberto Firmino have all missed large chunks of the season.
Summer loan signing from Juventus, Arthur Melo has yet to play for the club.
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While 19-year-old Calvin Ramsay has struggled for minutes and first team opportunities because of injury.
Former Bayern Munich star Thiago had featured in all Liverpool’s games post the World Cup break.
But, he will miss Monday’s clash against Everton – giving boss Klopp a huge headache.
The German could turn to either Jordan Henderson or Fabinho to fill the void.
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Thiago could miss as many as seven games for the club, the report continues.
And he faces a race against time to be fit for the Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on March 15.
Klopp spoke about the injury in his press conference ahead of Monday evening’s derby.
He said: “Thiago has some problems. I know the problem but I have to ask the medical department what I’m allowed to say!”
Liverpool currently sit in 10th spot – 12 points adrift of the Champions League places.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
