Breaking News: “He has expressed a desire to no longer play under Klopp, and there are indications that he could join Paris Saint-Germain as a new player.”

The information about Thiago Alcantara’s recent injury setback has likely spread throughout the AXA Training Centre and beyond, causing a subdued atmosphere in Kirkby. Despite his recent comeback to the pitch for Liverpool after a year under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance, Thiago’s playing time was abruptly limited to just five minutes against Arsenal on Sunday due to another injury.

This setback was certainly unexpected for one of the most esteemed players of the past decade, especially in what appears to be his final season with the Reds.

Despite Liverpool’s significant investment in midfield reinforcements last summer, including players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, Thiago was expected to have a reduced workload.

Following a season plagued by injuries and ultimately declared over in April, Thiago underwent hip surgery last May with hopes of returning fully fit for the current campaign. With a revamped midfield setup, he was supposed to play a more limited role, using his finesse and control to sway tight matches in Liverpool’s favor.

However, the plan to manage Thiago’s minutes carefully and utilize his talents sparingly has been thwarted by persistent injury setbacks, preventing Liverpool from fully benefiting from his unique skill set as we approach mid-February. Despite his undeniable quality, Thiago’s ability to stay fit remains a concern.

Despite changes in the squad and adjusted responsibilities, Thiago continues to grapple with recurring injuries, casting doubts on his short-term prospects. Since his last start against Wolves in February of the previous year, Liverpool has played over 5000 minutes across all competitions, with Thiago featuring for only a fraction of that time—a stark reminder of his injury-prone tenure.

While there is still hope that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich star can contribute to the team’s upcoming challenges across various competitions, any involvement at this point is viewed as a bonus.

At 32 years old and one of the highest earners in the squad, Thiago’s departure this summer seems increasingly likely, paving the way for a younger, more resilient replacement. However, it is acknowledged that replicating his mesmerizing abilities at his peak will be a challenge.