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Alisson and Thiago Alcantara injury doubts for Liverpool's game against Arsenal

Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool during the training session at Melwood Training Ground - Getty Images
Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool during the training session at Melwood Training Ground - Getty Images

Liverpool have major injury concerns ahead of Arsenal’s visit on Monday night with Thiago Alcantara and Alisson Becker doubts for the game.

The duo have unspecified injuries but have missed training sessions over the last 48 hours, with manager Jurgen Klopp awaiting further assessments this afternoon. Neither is a confirmed absentee at this stage and Liverpool are training again on Sunday prior to Mikel Arteta’s side coming to Anfield, but there is anxiety about both players’ availability.

Thiago made his debut against Chelsea last weekend, playing 45 minutes in the 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. With Klopp already without captain Jordan Henderson due to a muscle issue, the Liverpool coach said last week he was weighing up whether to give the £20 million from Bayern Munich signing his first start.

"We will see. We have a few days to train and see how we set up versus Arsenal,” Klopp said at his Friday press briefing.

“I have an idea but why should I make the decision today when we have time before Monday? He (Thiago) is in contention, let’s say.”

The situation has changed since then, although it is unclear at this stage what the issue is. Thiago will need to train today to prove his fitness.

Worse still, Liverpool may also have to cope without their number one, Alisson.

Back-up goalkeeper Adrian is on standby after the Brazilian also encountered an issue over the last couple of days. The former West Ham keeper regularly deputised for Alisson last season, including at the beginning of the campaign.

Klopp’s midfield options have been complicated, not only by Henderson’s absence and Thiago’s issue, but the recent injuries to centre-backs Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Gomez has returned to training so could return alongside Virgil Van Dijk, despite Fabinho’s excellence when used as an emergency defender at Stamford Bridge.

That would enable the Brazilian midfielder to slot back into his more familiar midfield position.