Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp prevented Thiago Alcantara from returning to action in Wednesday night’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, although he eventually returned to training.
Thiago has been missing for more than 10 weeks due to a knee injury he sustained during a moody derby in Merseyside in mid-October. He has only played 135 minutes since joining the Reds from Bayern Munich this summer and fans are clamoring to see him on the pitch again.
Klopp has always had to answer questions about the Spaniard’s state of health throughout his frustrating absence and fans were at least encouraged this week when it was confirmed he would return to full training with the rest of the team.
But the trip to St James’ Park came too early for Thiago to play and Klopp is being cautious.
“Of course, we look forward to [Thiago returning], but I do not know. He is unlikely to travel [to Newcastle], let me put it like that, ”Klopp explained, via LiverpoolFC.com.
“He needs a few sessions. He was really gone for a long time after a really tough challenge – it was a real impact. Nothing broken, nothing broken, but it obviously took time and it still takes time. We can’t rush this, we won’t. Then I do not know.
Thiago has already missed 16 games in all competitions due to the dangerous tackle which saw Richarlison of Everton sent off in the derby. He had previously had to miss four games almost as soon as he arrived from Germany after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Despite his injury and illness, Thiago was recently recognized by 90 mins as one of the top five world-class central midfielders currently in the game, alongside his club-mates Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
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