Expert issues ‘unprecedented’ Thiago Alcantara claim after confirmed Liverpool news
Thiago Alcantara has struggled to stay injury-free at Liverpool because of the unprecedented circumstances of the last few years.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Thiago, 30, spent four spells on the sidelines in 2021-22 and has missed 44 games to illness or injury in total since his arrival at Anfield in September 2020.
Liverpool announced last Tuesday (2 June) that the midfielder had withdrawn from international duty with Spain because of an unspecified muscle injury.
Dinnery suggests that Thiago has been playing catch-up with his fitness since almost immediately after he first signed for the Merseysiders.
“It’s very difficult to judge any player at this moment in time just because of what we have seen in recent years,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“There’s been the pandemic, Project Restart, a heavily disrupted pre-season programme, a Euros. We aren’t dealing with a normal situation in terms of optimal recovery ahead of the new campaign. It’s unprecedented.
“Specifically with Thiago, we know the pre-season programme is the cornerstone. The science backs it up. If you can get a good four to five weeks on the training pitches, that really sets you up for the rest of the campaign.
“Thiago and several other players who were involved in that Euros were heavily disrupted. Once the season starts, you’re not in a position to train with that intensity. You’ve missed that chance.
“Inherently, you’re at increased risk of re-injury because you’ve missed a big block. So, Thiago’s focus will be on getting a good pre-season under his belt.
“This off-season will be an ideal opportunity to refresh and hopefully see a Thiago who can play most games going forward.”
In other news, Noel Whelan issues “spectacular” Naby Keita claim as Liverpool talks open.