Liverpool’s season has taken a double hit as a key player sustained a major injury, and the squad now faces a difficult task of winning the Premier League. One of the squad’s most important players, the player’s knee injury will keep him out of the lineup for several months, depriving the team of a vital player at a pivotal point in the season. This defeat makes Liverpool FC’s title challenge much more difficult, since they are already having difficulty maintaining their position at the top of the table. Liverpool FC Could Lose Out on the Title After a Double Whammy Injury to a Star Player
The news of Thiago Alcantara’s latest injury setback was undoubtedly heard throughout the AXA Training Centre and beyond, lowering morale in Kirkby. Despite his recent return to duty for Liverpool after a year under Jurgen Klopp, Thiago’s outing against Arsenal on Sunday was cut short by another injury.
This setback was unanticipated for one of the most respected players of the last decade, especially because it appears to be his final season with the Reds.
Despite Liverpool’s major investment in midfield reinforcements last summer, which included Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, Thiago was expected to see a decreased workload.
Following an injury-plagued season that was eventually declared finished in April, Thiago underwent hip surgery in May in the hopes of recovering totally healthy for the current season. With a new midfield structure, he was expected to play a more limited role, relying on his skill and control to swing tight games in Liverpool’s favour.
However, the idea to limit Thiago’s minutes and use his talents judiciously has been hampered by recurring injury setbacks, preventing Liverpool from fully leveraging his particular skill set as we approach mid-February. Despite his undoubted talent, Thiago’s ability to maintain fitness remains an issue.
Despite changes in the squad and modified roles, Thiago continues to struggle with reoccurring ailments, casting doubt on his short-term prospects. Liverpool has played nearly 5000 minutes across all competitions since his last start against Wolves in February of last year, with Thiago appearing for only a portion of that time—a stark reminder of his injury-prone career.
While there is still optimism that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich great can help the team in its next contests, any engagement at this stage is viewed as a bonus.
At 32 years old and one of the highest earners in the club, Thiago’s departure this summer is increasingly imminent, paving the way for a younger, more resilient replacement, albeit recreating his mesmerising powers at his peak will be difficult.