Jurgen Klopp confirms fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Newcastle encounter
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has cast doubt on Thiago Alcantara’s availability for the Merseyside derby against Newcastle United, with the playmaker seemingly ruled out.
The Reds will host Everton on Monday night before traveling to St James’ Park to face the Magpies on February 18.
Wolves thrashed Klopp’s squad in their most recent outing, as they are currently mired in a dreadful run of form.
However, only Liverpool have defeated Eddie Howe’s side in a Premier League match this season, with Fabio Carvalho scoring a controversial injury-time winner at Anfield in August.
Virgil van Dijk could return prior to the trip to Tyneside, and Roberto Firmino is also on the verge of returning.
However, Klopp confirmed Thiago’s absence from training during his pregame press conference on Friday.
He told reporters: “Yeah, Thiago has some problems. I know the problems, but I have to ask the medical department what I am allowed to say about it. Hip flexor, stuff like this, that’s it pretty much. He wasn’t able to train.”
Liverpool are currently tenth in the Premier League, 11 points behind fourth-place Newcastle in the race for the top four.
The Reds are currently missing a number of attackers due to injury, but Diogo Jota may be available for Monday’s televised matchup.
When asked for an injury update, Klopp added: “Diogo is the closest, he trains now normal already for two days, so another three days (of) training is possible for him. I think he is in contention for the squad, I would say, but we have to wait a little bit.”
Jurgen Klopp confirms fresh Liverpool injury blow ahead of Newcastle encounter
