Thiago Alcantara is unlikely to travel to St James Park for Liverpool s Premier League clash against Newcastle United as his recovery from a knee injury must not be rushed.
Thiago has made just two Premier League appearances this season, suffering his setback in a 2-2 draw with Everton on October 17, but he returned to first-team training last week.
Jurgen Klopp is not willing to take any risks, however, as Liverpool aim to return to winning ways at Newcastle following a disappointing 1-1 draw with struggling West Brom on Sunday.
I like watching all my players play, Klopp told reporters.
Jürgen Klopp sat down after Sunday s game to preview our final meeting of 2020 |
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
With Thiago, he had a few minutes until he got injured, so of course we are looking forward to that but it s not really likely he ll travel.
Liverpool s first game of 2021 sees them take on Southampton at St Mary s on January 4 before visiting Aston Villa in the FA Cup four days later.
Klopp said the severity of Thiago s injury, sustained in a challenge with Richarlison, has enforced a cautious approach to his return to action.
He needs a few sessions, the manager explained. He was out a long time after a really harsh challenge.
There was a proper impact, nothing ruptured, nothing broken, but that still took time. We will not rush it, so I don t know [when he will be back].