Liverpool faced a setback as news of Thiago Alcantara’s latest injury echoed through the AXA Training Centre and beyond, casting a shadow over spirits in Kirkby. Despite recently returning to action under Jurgen Klopp’s management after a year, Thiago’s playing time was abruptly limited to just five minutes against Arsenal on Sunday due to another injury.
This unexpected setback wasn’t foreseen for one of the esteemed players of the past decade, particularly in what appears to be his final season with the Reds. Despite Liverpool’s significant midfield reinforcements last summer, including players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, Thiago was anticipated to have a reduced workload.
Following a season marred by injuries and declared over in April, Thiago underwent hip surgery in May with hopes of returning fully fit for the current campaign. The plan to manage his minutes carefully and utilize his finesse in tight matches has been thwarted by persistent injuries, hindering Liverpool from fully benefiting from his unique skill set as mid-February approaches. Despite his quality, concerns persist about Thiago’s ability to stay fit.
Even with changes in the squad and adjusted responsibilities, Thiago continues to grapple with recurring injuries, casting doubts on his short-term prospects. Since his last start against Wolves in February last year, Liverpool has played over 5000 minutes across all competitions, with Thiago featuring for only a fraction of that time—an evident reminder of his injury-prone tenure.
At 32 years old and one of the highest earners in the squad, Thiago’s departure this summer appears increasingly likely, paving the way for a younger, more resilient replacement. However, it is acknowledged that replicating his mesmerizing abilities at his peak will pose a challenge. While there is still hope for his contribution in upcoming challenges, any involvement at this point is viewed as a bonus.
