Liverpool midfielder Thiago could return from his latest setback in early March, injury expert Ben Dinnery has told GiveMeSport.
The Reds are enduring a difficult season both domestically and in Europe, meaning Jurgen Klopp will surely be eager to have one of his star performers available for selection once more as soon as possible.
Liverpool injury news – Thiago
Thiago has suffered with serious fitness issues throughout his career and a hamstring problem earlier in the campaign has already limited his game time.
And Klopp confirmed prior to the recent Merseyside derby that the Spain international had ‘some problems’ that meant he was not able to train with the team.
"Thiago has some problems,” revealed the German tactician in a pre-match press conference. “I know the problem, but I have to ask if I am allowed to say about it! Hip flexor, stuff like this. So, he was not able to train.”
Liverpool initially coped without the technically gifted star well, claiming back-to-back 2-0 victories over Everton and Newcastle United in the Premier League.
However, a devastating 5-2 defeat at Anfield to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie has swifty brought them back down to earth.
What has Dinnery said about Thiago?
Liverpool have recently welcomed Diogo Jota back into the fold following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
And although Dinnery has told GMS that the reigning FA Cup holders can’t provide a ‘definitive’ return date for Thiago, he believes he could feature in the early stages of next month.
He said: “It's one of those injuries where they're not able to give anything sort of definitive, but I'm looking at the dates, and it's one, hopefully, that maybe we could see a potential return in early-ish March, all being well.”
How well has Thiago played this season?
Thiago has failed to score in his 24 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, providing just one assist for his teammates.
Nevertheless, the Barcelona academy graduate has still made a solid contribution to Klopp’s charges as his underlying numbers show.
As per FBref, Thiago has ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive passes, 98th for attempted passes, 94th for interceptions, 92nd for tackles, and 86th for successful take-ons among his positional peers over the last year.
Liverpool will almost certainly benefit from having Thiago, who earns £225,000-per-week, back in their midfield, therefore, and Klopp will be counting down the days until he returns to full fitness.