Thiago Alcantara is set for another spell on the sidelines, having sustained a muscle injury during his comeback game against Arsenal last weekend, according to The Times.

1st April 2023 Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England Premier League Football, Manchester City versus Liverpool Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool inspects the pitch prior to the match PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12492468 DavidxBlunsden

The Liverpool midfielder, making his first appearance of the season due to a prolonged hip issue, entered the pitch in the 85th minute of the 3-1 Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Regrettably, Thiago encountered a fresh setback during his brief appearance, leading to an extended period out of the team.

Thiago IMAGO / PPAUK

This development is a setback for manager Jurgen Klopp, who had been eager to leverage the skills of the 32-year-old playmaker.

With Liverpool engaged on multiple fronts in the final stretch of the season, Thiago’s absence poses a challenge for Klopp as he navigates through all four competitions.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Thiago is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield, adding an extra layer of consideration to the club’s future plans.

It is not known how long the Spain international will be on the sidelines, however, he will not be available for the Burnley clash on Saturday.

The Reds will continue to assess the midfielder and hope it could only be a minor issue as he continues his rehabilitation from a long time out.

Thiago’s last appearance for Liverpool was in a 2-1 victory against West Ham in April last year.

Since joining Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020, his tenure with the club has been marked by persistent injury troubles, including issues with his knee, calf, thigh, and most recently, a hip problem.

These recurring injuries have disrupted the midfielder’s continuity on the pitch, presenting challenges for both him and the club in maintaining consistent performance levels.

He has racked up 98 appearances, scored three goals, and provided six assists in all competitions for Liverpool.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder has helped the Reds clinch the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup during the 2021/22 season.

Liverpool, meanwhile are currently without Dominik Szoboszlai due to a hamstring complaint, and the duration of his unavailability remains unspecified.

However, there is positive news for the team as Wataru Endo is back and available for selection against Burnley.

Endo has rejoined the squad after representing Japan in the Asian Cup earlier this week following an unexpected elimination from the tournament. His return adds depth to Liverpool’s midfield options.

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