Jurgen Klopp reveals that Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are close but not back yet
Speaking ahead of the Bournemouth game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara are close but not yet available for selection.
The Spanish duo did not play a single pre-season and have been out of action since the latter half of last season. The good news is that both of them are back in first-team training. It is understandable why they would take time to be match fit because of no pre-season action.
Thiago had an issue with his hip while Bajcetic had a stress injury in March that ruled him out for the rest of the last season. They are both players who, if available, could have started against Chelsea and fared better than what the midfield at Stamford Bridge did.
Here’s what Klopp said when asked about the update on the duo (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“Stefan Bajcetic, really close but not there yet. We really count on him. Thiago Alcanatara, really close but not there yet.”
Liverpool have signed Wataru Endo to have a body in defensive midfield now. Provided he is eligible to play this weekend, one can imagine that Klopp would be tempted to start him against Bournemouth.
While Alexis Mac Allister did well as a six last Sunday, he is better when operating as a box-to-box midfielder with an eye to pick up space in between the lines and destroy the opposition back line with key passes and assists.
Having a protector in the shape of Endo would allow the Argentine and Dominik Szoboszlai to think about attacking first on the ball. In the Chelsea game, they dropped too deep because Mac Allister was not playing in his natural position and he was conservative.
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Finally, let’s hope Bajcetic and Thiago are back in contention for the Newcastle United game next Sunday. Although we won’t be surprised if we won’t see them until after the international break.
