Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool’s official website that it is ‘not likely’ that Thiago Alcantara will feature against Newcastle United this evening.
Thiago has made it off the treatment table and has been pictured back in Liverpool training this week.
However, it seems that the Spaniard still does not have the match fitness to start a game for the Reds, following his injury problem.
And Klopp has played down the chances of the summer signing playing a role at St. James’ Park this evening.
“I like watching all my boys playing and with Thiago, of course he had a few minutes, I would say, until he got injured,” Klopp said.
“So of course we are looking forward to that, but I don’t know. It’s not really likely that he will travel [to Newcastle], let me say it like this.
“He needs a few sessions, he was really out for a long time after a really harsh challenge – that was a proper impact. Nothing ruptured, nothing broken, but that still took time obviously and it still takes time. We cannot rush that, we will not do. So I don’t know.”
Thiago has been out for Liverpool since a fierce tackle from Richarlison in the Merseyside derby.
Fitness issues have really stopped the former Bayern Munich man making an impact since arriving at Anfield in the summer, with Thiago yet to really show what he can do in a Liverpool shirt.
His return to fitness will be a major boost to Liverpool, who are continuing to suffer badly with injuries this term.
With Fabinho having to cover in defence, there is certainly a gap open in Liverpool’s midfield, and it is expected that Thiago will become a regular starter when he does make it back to full fitness.
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