Thiago Alcantara is right at the top of the list of players Liverpool are missing the most right now.
That’s according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Dickov. The former Manchester City striker claimed that while they are missing a number of key men, Liverpool looks so much better with Thiago in particular back in the side.
“Injuries have a major part in playing in it [Liverpool’s struggles in the Premier League]. To lose Luis Diaz, Jota as well who’s been in and out all season. Andy Robertson’s just coming back in the last few games, Trent’s been out, Konate, Matip. When you’ve got that amount of players out, there’s no consistency in selection, there’s no consistency in performances from week to week,” said Dickov.
“I’ve named many-a player there, but Thiago is the big one for me. He’s the one that really makes them tick, he’s the creative one in midfield and he’s had a stop-start start to the season as well. So, you put all that together and it’s really difficult for them, but there’s no doubting there’s something special about the Champions League and Liverpool. They always seem to turn up and put in the performances that they need.”
Thiago missed his second game in a row last night, as he continues to recover from an ear infection.
Thiago still missing for Liverpool
There’s no question that Thiago is absolutely key to Liverpool at the moment. Unfortunately, they appear to be even a little too reliant on the Spaniard.
That wouldn’t be such a problem if the 31-year-old was always available. But since his £20m arrival from Bayern in 2020, Thiago has simply missed too many games.
Thankfully, his latest setback is one that should be fairly quickly remedied. Having said that, many people would possibly have expected him to be back for last night’s game.
By the time Leeds United rock up to Anfield on Saturday evening, it will be a week since Thiago’s infection began.
For him to miss three games on top of his usual injury-related absences would be a major blow. Hopefully he can recover in time to face Jesse Marsch’s side at the weekend.
If not, then Jurgen Klopp will have a decision to make. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson could both do without starting every game right now, and the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are only just back from injury.
Added to that, the injuries to forward players are also having a knock-on effect over who can be used in midfield.
Fingers crossed that Thiago is available and Jurgen has an easy call to make as a result.
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