Liverpool suffer huge injury blow with key player a major doubt for Merseyside derby against Everton

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara could miss Monday's Merseyside derby through injury, in yet another potentially significant blow to Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have dealt with injury issues throughout the campaign, with midfielders Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Thiago all out at the same time at one stage of the season.

Klopp has began to see numbers increase in that area, although is still awaiting the full return to action of Arthur Melo, who suffered a muscle injury in October.

Liverpool have not won any of their last four Premier League games, and face an Everton side buoyed by last weekend's 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park - new manager Sean Dyche's first game in charge of the Toffees.

And the Reds could be without a key player.

Liverpool suffer fresh injury blow

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp confirmed that Thiago has been struggling with a hip injury ahead of the Merseyside derby, and is therefore considered a doubt for the clash.

The Spaniard missed the reverse fixture against Everton in September through injury, but has started every Liverpool game in all competitions since the World Cup, and his absence would be a significant blow for the Reds in light of the side's recent midfield struggles.

Confirming the news, Klopp said: "Thiago has some problems. I know the problems, but I have to ask if I am allowed to say.

"It's the hip flexor, stuff like this. That's it, pretty much, so he wasn't able to train [yesterday]."

The Liverpool boss also gave an update on the status of other injured players: "The players are back in training in different stages. Diogo [Jota, calf] is the closest, trains now already for two days. Another three days and then he is in contention I would say.

"Bobby [Firmino, calf] next one. Arthur [muscle] similar. We have to see. Virgil [van Dijk, hamstring], closer but I don't think [ready for Everton]."

Topics: Liverpool, Football, Premier League, Everton, Thiago Alcantara

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.