Thiago Alcantara could be unavailable for both legs of Liverpool’s last-16 Champions League clashes against Real Madrid.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim the 31-year-old has been added to Jurgen Klopp’s extensive injury list.
As per the report, the Reds fear that the Spaniard could be out for another four weeks after recently picking up a hip injury.
Consequently, he will be unavailable to take part in the Merseyside derby tomorrow night.
Jurgen Klopp won’t be happy with the news, as Liverpool face Everton, Newcastle and Real Madrid in the next nine days.
It remains unclear just how long the midfielder will be out of action for if the injury is as bad as the club fears.
In a months time, the Merseyside outfit are scheduled to play the return leg of their Champions League fixture against Madrid.
Thiago could very well miss that match, as well as another seven games beforehand.
Thiago could miss both Madrid matches
This is a huge blow for Klopp and Liverpool.
The Reds have been at their worst in the middle of the park this season.
However, although he hasn’t consistently been at his best, Thiago has managed to salvage any sort of creativity for the team going forward.
Without him, Liverpool run the risk of failing to progress the ball past the halfway line.
Subsequently, there will be a big decrease in the number of chances created in the final third, making the attack’s job even harder than it currently is.
Knocked out of every other competition, Klopp’s only chance at silverware this season is the Champions League trophy.
However, without their main playmaker dictating the tempo in midfield, this seems like an unrealistic possibility.
Liverpool need to sort their medical issues out as soon as possible, as the club have a serious problem behind the scenes.