Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is facing another spell on the injury sidelines after picking up a muscle injury against Arsenal on Sunday, according to the Times.
The Spaniard finally returned to action against the Gunners having not made any appearance this term prior to the game due to a long-standing hip issue.
However, he has suffered another setback despite coming on in the 85th minute of the 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool are also still without Dominik Szoboszlai due to a hamstring injury, and being without Thiago just after he returned to action is another massive blow.
The 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Merseyside club, and his chances of convincing Liverpool he deserves an extension have effectively gone down the drain.
The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was hoping that the return of the former Bayern Munich midfielder would provide his side with a much-needed boost and squad depth as they are competing in four competitions.
The Arsenal game was Thiago’s first appearance in nine months due to the persistent hip injury, and he last started a game for Liverpool a year ago.
He made four substitute appearances last April, but his comeback was aborted and it appears it has happened again.
Liverpool ended his campaign early last season following his relapse, approving an operation they had hoped would ensure he became available for the start of pre-season.
However, things did not go as planned and they will hope he returns to action sooner rather than later.
Klopp could do with the experience of the former Barcelona playmaker during the Premier League title run-in, and his quality should also come in handy in the Europa League should Liverpool advance further.
The Reds return to Premier League action when they host Burnley on Saturday, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways following the disappointing loss against the Gunners.
