Klopp rejects claims Liverpool midfielder Thiago is ruled out for rest of season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has quashed speculation that Thiago Alcantara will miss the remainder of the season with injury after he missed the Reds FA Cup victory at home to Shrewsbury Town.

The Reds eventually enjoyed a comfortable afternoon's work as they put four past their League One opposition during the third round clash, but it threatened to be a potential banana slip after the visitors went ahead.

Business as usual was quickly restored after Kaide Gordon levelled things up seven minutes later, opening the floodgates for his Reds teammates to put the game beyond any doubt.

A delightful backheel from Roberto Firmino came between both of Fabinho's goals as Klopp's side ran out eventual 4-1 winners and went on to draw Cardiff City at home in the next round of the competition.

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Klopp returned to the touchline for the clash after being forced to miss Liverpool's last outing away at Chelsea in the league with Covid-19.

Following the game, the German was pressed on Thiago's absence from the matchday squad and whether speculation surrounding a potential season-ending injury for the Spaniard.

Asked whether Thiago will be out for the foreseeable, Klopp replied: "No. Neither March nor end of season is in my mind."

The Reds boss went on to explain what forced Thiago to miss out and when the Anfield faithful can expect to see him back in action.

"It is something around the hip," he added. "That is the situation he needs time. He didn't train this week but we expect him to start rehab from Monday. It's not the case that he is out until the end of season."

The 30-year-old midfielder has not been in contention for any squads since 30 December but has enjoyed a fairly impressive campaign when fit.

Thiago has made 14 appearances so far this term and performed well in most considering his 2021 was blighted with both contracting Covid-19 and a persistent calf injury.

Klopp went on to reveal how difficult it was to prepare for Sunday's contest amid a backdrop of rising Covid cases within the Reds ranks.

"It has been very difficult (this week)," he said. "This is the team we could line up today and the boys did really well. When we conceded the boys reacted well and put in a proper shift.

"Taki (Minamino) trained only twice this game is part of his rehab (from injury). Bobby came back (to training) only yesterday and come on and scored. So many things could have gone the wrong way."

Liverpool's title tilt has taken a dent in recent weeks and as a result the Reds find themselves 11 points adrift of table-toppers Manchester City at the turn of the calendar year.

Klopp's men sit third, a point behind fellow title rivals Chelsea though the Blues have played a game more.