Thiago Alcântara injured again after first Liverpool appearance in 10 months

Liverpool’s midfielder Thiago Alcântara is facing another spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during his brief comeback against Arsenal on Sunday.

The 32-year-old made his first appearance of the season as an 85th-minute substitute in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat but felt a muscle problem during that cameo that is expected to require further treatment. It is another setback for the unfortunate midfielder, who has been plagued by fitness problems throughout his Liverpool career and whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Thiago had not featured for 10 months before his long-awaited return at the Emirates Stadium. His previous Liverpool appearance was as a substitute at West Ham in April last year and his last start for Jürgen Klopp’s team came against Wolves in February 2023.

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The Spain international had just returned from a long-term hip injury and has also sustained hamstring, thigh and knee issues since his £20m move from Bayern Munich in 2020. With only five months remaining on a lucrative four-year contract, and no extension in sight, Thiago is likely to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.