Thiago Alcantara will not play for Liverpool again this season due to requiring surgery on a hip injury.
The decision has been made for the Spaniard to go under the knife and he will therefore be unavailable for Liverpool's remaining matches of the Premier League campaign against Fulham, Brentford, Leicester City, Aston Villa and Southampton.
The 32-year-old has already missed a significant number of games this campaign due to a variety of issues. He spent six weeks on the sidelines after pulling up with a hamstring issue during August's trip to Fulham before being ruled out for two months between February and April due to a hip flexor problem.
READ MORE: Klopp tells what Paul Tierney said after exchange that 'shouldn't have happened'
READ MORE: Every word Klopp said on Paul Tierney and FA punishment
The former Bayern Munich midfielder, who made the move to Anfield in the summer of 2020, will join fellow countryman Stefan Bajcetic in the treatment room after a similar injury saw the 18-year-old midfielder ruled out for the rest of the season the morning after the Reds' Champions League exit to Real Madrid on March 16.
On Tuesday afternoon, Jurgen Klopp revealed that the Reds would be without Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Fulham.
GET INVOLVED: Without Thiago who should start in Liverpool's midfield against Fulham? Pick your XI to face the Cottagers using our special team selector below
The Portugal international, who fired a 94th-minute winner against Tottenham to edge a seven-goal thriller on Sunday, is currently nursing a back injury he initially sustained during the Reds' visit to West Ham last week. Meanwhile, Firmino and Keita are back in training and could make a return to Liverpool's matchday squad when Brentford visit Anfield.
By addressing the issue now, Liverpool will hope Thiago is able to make a return to full fitness in time for the start of pre-season on July 8. The Reds are expected to jet out on a European-based camp before tackling the commercial leg of their summer activities in the Far East.
Thiago's Liverpool contract expires in the summer of 2024.
READ NEXT:
- Why Liverpool Premier League finish could be decided on head to head if shock scenario plays out
- Michael Owen sends blunt Champions League message to Liverpool
- Chris Sutton explains why Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp 'must be banned'
-
Graeme Souness hints at next move after leaving Sky Sports
Liverpool announce major Chinese partnership in 'huge moment' for football club