Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has suffered another setback in his attempt to recover quickly after hip surgery.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the Spaniard is expected to return to action after the international break.
The former Barcelona midfielder is yet to feature for the Reds this season, and it remains unknown when he will be back in action.
Klopp has refused to put a date on his potential return, but he hopes to get him back soon.
The Reds are also missing young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic who has also picked up a fresh injury blow after a recent comeback. He is also expected to return after the international break.
Cody Gakpo left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a knee brace last weekend but it seems it won’t be long before he can return to action.
“It is just, for [Thiago] himself especially, annoying,” Klopp told the club’s official website).
“He had now two setbacks in the rehab, not massive but enough to take him off the pitch again. Obviously not the same injury, not at all, but a bit similar,”
“It’s as annoying as it is for Stefan Bajcetic, who was there, played a few minutes and then played a few minutes and then felt something else. That’s how it is after long-term injuries from time to time.
“Cody has a good chance that he will be back [after the break]. I will not put pressure on that [their returns] because I can’t anyway.
“If they will be back after the internationals, we will see that. Hopefully, it would be cool.”
What does the future hold for Thiago?
The 32-year-old midfielder has a contract at the club until 2024, but it’s unclear whether the Reds will offer him a new deal.
He was reportedly linked with a move away to Turkish clubs in the summer transfer window, but Klopp was reluctant to sell him.
Having sold Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer, Klopp felt that Thiago’s experience was required.
However, if Thiago continues to struggle with injuries, Liverpool may not be keen to extend his deal.
Thiago has made 97 appearances for the Reds in all competitions since joining in 2020. If the Reds get a good offer for him in January, it won’t be a surprise if they let him go.
The Reds have made a terrific start in the Premier League despite their defeat against Tottenham.
They will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the league away from home on Sunday.
