Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a training session
Fans probably had three thoughts when Liverpool's squad against Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Judging by the squad, Kopites will initially be delighted, if slightly surprised, to see Luis Diaz start for the first time since October following a serious knee injury.
Another look at the squad selected by Jurgen Klopp and pictures of England Under-21s Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott named together in midfield are also attracting attention. "It was a bold call."
Then, beyond that starting lineup, something else became apparent. 'Where the hell is Thiago?'
The Spaniard has only just returned from a two-month break due to injury a few weeks ago. After making four substitutions since returning to fitness, he missed training on Friday. His absence from the game-day squad, coupled with the image of the 32-year-old limping around Anfield on Sunday, seems to suggest another period of side sitting is being worked on.
At the start of the season, Liverpool's strongest midfielder was, at least in theory, widely accepted. Jordan Henderson x Fabinho x Thiago Alcantara. Next question, let's move on.
However, as the season progresses and the Reds continue to struggle, it becomes clear that his aging trio is no longer the common answer. The Spaniard has evaded the scrutiny of one of his teammates, always performing well for Klopp's side as the declines of Henderson and Fabinho became increasingly worrisome.
Hence, with a midfield overhaul set to take place this summer, their starting position next season, despite improved performances in Liverpool's recent six-match unbeaten streak. , is still a question mark.
However, Thiago's most recent absence has drawn groans of his own frustration from a group of fans. As talented as the Spaniard is, you can't rely on him to keep fit.
With 28 appearances in all competitions this season, his 22 appearances are from scratch. Meanwhile, he has started 14 of 18 Premier League appearances. With just five games left of the season, he is guaranteed to return to the worst matchday list since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020.
Thiago's patchy injury record prior to his time at Anfield is well documented. That is something that Liverpool have to accept, believing it is worth the quality they bring when fit.
But he has now missed 18 games through injury this season, missed 22 last year and needs painkillers to fight in the Champions League final.
He will also miss 20 games in his first season with the Reds through injury and illness. These absences are not a new phenomenon. Only time will tell whether his latest layoffs, currently unspecified, will allow him to improve on both sides. Having turned 32 last month, Thiago's injury record won't suddenly improve at this point. Now entering the final 12 months of his contract with Liverpool, the question is what exactly is his role in the Reds' future?
Klopp's recent deployment of a 'reverse full-back' has left Thiago limited to back-up duty ahead of his most recent sacking. Only the German knows if he intends to include the Spaniard as one of the first six or 10 doubles in his newly adopted lineup.
These frequent absences make him almost a "luxury player"; a star you can't count on is available, but having him is an added bonus.
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