Thiago Breaks Down In Tears After Pulling Out Of Carabao Cup Final With Injury
The Spaniard was visibly distraught.
Liverpool midfielder Thiago broke down in tears on the bench after pulling out of today's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea with injury.
The Spain international was set to line up alongside Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson at Wembley.
But it was announced just ten minutes before kick-off that Thiago had suffered an injury in the warm-up and wouldn't be able to play.
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Sky Sports cameras captured the 30-year-old on the bench, looking very emotional as his teammates walked out.
Alisson is on the bench this afternoon and took it upon himself to console Thiago.
Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020 and after a tough first season in England, he's settled and become a vital part of Jurgen Klopp's side when available.
His elegant passing and composure on the ball sets him apart from the rest and it's a major blow for the Reds.
Naby Keita has taken his place in the starting XI.
Victory today would see Thiago win his first trophy in a Liverpool shirt, to add to his four La Liga titles and Champions League win with Barcelona and seven Bundesliga triumphs with Bayern respectively.
Chelsea started the game brightly and could've been ahead inside five minutes through Christian Pulisic, but his effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher has been given the nod once again after starting every other Carabao Cup game this campaign.
Chelsea regularly used Kepa Arrizabalaga in the competition but opted to draft in regular number one Edouard Mendy and he made a vital double save just before the half hour mark.
Mendy managed to parry Keita's long-range effort into the path of Sadio Mane, but he got across quickly to turn away for a corner.
Liverpool also started the game without a recognised striker with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota injured.
Jota is fit enough to be on the bench however.
Chelsea kept Romelu Lukaku on the bench once again and Kai Havertz is operating as their main striker.
Havertz started ahead of Lukaku in midweek victory over Lille in the Champions League and the 22-year-old opened the scoring in a 2-0 win.
Topics: Liverpool, Carabao Cup, Chelsea, Thiago Alcantara
Daniel Marland