Thiago Alcantara is set to spend some time on the sidelines and his latest injury blow could force Liverpool to turn to the transfer market.
Last season, the Spaniard was only afforded 24 league appearances due to injuries and illness. In disappointing fashion, there could be more of the same this season, after the midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in his side’s 2-2 draw against Fulham at the weekend. As per the latest reports, Thiago could now be out of action until September and could miss at least six Premier League games.
As per The Athletic, a scan has confirmed that Thiago suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be out until mid-September.
Taking that into account, the midfielder will now miss games against Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Everton and Wolves.
Liverpool might be forced to sign a midfielder
Liverpool were already running short on options in central midfield, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones sidelined.
Naby Keita was also missed the Reds’ opening Premier League game due to sickness.
Regardless, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said after the Fulham match that he did not want to rush into signing a new central midfielder for cover.
“A transfer must make sense now and in the long-term,” the German said.
“We have eight midfielders. We still have enough midfielders. It’s not that we lack midfielders, it’s just some of them are injured.
“This isn’t a good situation, I don’t like it at all. We have to see how we react on that, but for sure not panic.”
However, that was before he knew the extent of the Thiago injury, which doesn’t look good at all. A host of midfield names are now being linked with Liverpool and this is expected to be the case until the transfer window ends. However, one particular name could genuinely interest the Reds and he could be much available as well
Youri Tielemans seems like a logical option
Leicester City star Youri Tielemans has been subject of transfer interest from several sides this summer. The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with the Belgian international but it is the Gunners who have been strongly tipped to land the midfielder.
Tielemans is Leicester City’s record signing and also happens to have just one year left on his current contract. According to reports, the Foxes will be willing to accept a fee in the region of 25m to let the 25-year-old go.
However, several sides have baulked at that figure, especially when you consider that he could be available for free next summer.
Given Liverpool and their transfer policy, they might be unwilling to commit to this but Tielemans remains a viable option should they decide to splash the cash on a midfielder.
