Thiago Alcantara’s latest setback is relatively innocuous – but Liverpool know that his injury history may mean he will miss over half the campaign with various issues.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
Thiago, 31, has not featured for Liverpool since the 2-2 draw with Fulham on the opening day of the campaign.
He is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is one of several enforced absentees from Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
.As quoted by the Merseysiders’ media team on Tuesday (30 August), the manager revealed that the Spaniard could be back in training “slightly later” than Thursday.
It is unlikely therefore that he will be fit for the Merseyside derby on Saturday (3 September) love.q.q).
Dinnery assessed Thiago’s latest setback in light of his chequered injury track record.
“The injury in isolation isn’t too bad,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“But given the player’s history and his importance to the team, it’s massive. He’s someone they don’t want to take any chances with.
“The Merseyside derby is probably too soon, but he could be available for the Champions League game against Napoli. Any involvement would, you suspect, be from the bench.
“We’ve had several soft tissue and muscle injuries with Thiago. That is what you get from him. Unfortunately, he may only be available for around half of your Premier League games.
“Liverpool understands you have to manage him very carefully.”