Thiago injury: Progress & potential return date for Liverpool midfielder
When Liverpool added classy Champions League-winning midfielder Thiago to their ranks off the back of their Premier League success in 2020, it was regarded by many as the ultimate sign of the rich getting richer.
The Reds snapped up the Spaniard for a bargain price and some foreshadowed a period of Scouse dominance in the English top-flight akin to the sky-blue monopoly that had preceded the rise of Jurgen Klopp's side.
But such supremacy has never arrived on Merseyside.
Thiago's entire career has seemingly been spent on the sidelines and his injury woes have followed him to Anfield. While the midfielder has dazzled at times since arriving in the Premier League, his inability to stay fit has been a distinct source of frustration for Liverpool supporters.
The 32-year-old's missed over 50 games due to various issues since joining in 2020, and another setback means he's set to add to that tally.
What injury has Thiago got?
Thiago missed ten games between February and April with a nagging hip flexor problem before returning to action off the bench in Liverpool's pulsating 2-2 draw with title-chasers Arsenal.
The midfielder made cameo appearances in Liverpool's next three Premier League outings, but wasn't named in the squad to face Tottenham at the weekend.
The nagging hip injury has resurfaced, and it's since been revealed the Spaniard will undergo surgery in order to resolve the issue.
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What Liverpool games will Thiago miss?
By undergoing surgery, Thiago will miss Liverpool's remaining five Premier League games of the 2022/23 season.
Given his contract expires in 2024, some have questioned whether the midfielder has already played his last game for the club. Liverpool's midfield is in dire need of a refresh and the club could move the 32-year-old on for a fee this summer to avoid losing him for nothing.
Liverpool's upcoming fixture list
Date/Kick-Off Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
03/05/23 - 20:00 | Liverpool vs Fulham |
06/05/23 - 17:30 | Liverpool vs Brentford |
15/05/23 - 20:00 | Leicester vs Liverpool |
20/05/23 - 15:00 | Liverpool vs Aston Villa |
28/05/23 - 16:30 | Southampton vs Liverpool |
Who could replace Thiago?
Despite their midfield issues this season, Klopp does have a couple of options in terms of Thiago replacements.
The Spaniard has primarily operated as a left-sided number eight since joining the club - the role Georginio Wijnaldum excelled in during the club's pomp - and it's likely we'll see Curtis Jones deputise for the 32-year-old down the stretch.
Jones has impressed in recent weeks and got himself on the scoresheet in the 4-3 victory over Spurs on Sunday.