Medical expert issues Thiago verdict after ‘absolutely massive’ behind-the-scenes Liverpool news
Thiago Alcantara could play a role in the FA Cup clash against Cardiff City on 5 February in an “absolutely massive” boost for Liverpool.
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 has not featured for Liverpool since last month (16 December) after a bout of Covid and a subsequent hip injury.
But as quoted by club media last Wednesday (19 January), Jurgen Klopp revealed that the Spaniard will “hopefully be in full team training after the international break, to prepare for the Cardiff game.”
The return of the world-class midfield orchestrator will be a huge lift to Liverpool, insists Dinnery.
“I think it’s a good game to come back to, the Cardiff one,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“What they will be trying to do with Thiago is minimise his risk in their preparation. All of that work will be going on the training pitch.
“The intensity in an FA Cup game maybe isn’t the same. This could be an opportunity for Klopp to give him 60 or 70 minutes from the start.
“Alternatively, you could give him to 20 or 30 minutes from the bench with one eye on those upcoming Premier League fixtures.
“When he returns, this will be absolutely massive for them. He is vital and he brings something completely different.
“Once European football is back, you’re going to need your squad. They aren’t blessed with a massive squad.”
Thiago has struggled with various injuries since his move from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
The 30-year-old has hit the back of the net twice this season and laid on one assist across 14 appearances.
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