Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara is treated after picking up an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 18, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Thiago was set to start alongside Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield for their EFL Cup final match against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
However, despite being named as one of Jurgen Klopp’s starting 11 players, the Spanish midfielder was forced to withdraw just minutes before kick-off after picking up an injury during a pre-game warm-up.
Forced onto the sidelines in truly heartbreaking fashion, teammate Naby Keita was promoted from the substitute’s bench to take Thiago’s place.
Naturally extremely disappointed to miss out on a chance to play a part in his side potentially lifting the first piece of major silverware on offer this season, Thiago was picked up on Sky Sports’ camera in tears on the touchline – comforted by goalkeeper Alisson.
Good that Thiago is crying at the start of the match because he will be celebrating at the end of the game pic.twitter.com/aIUFVcKrCb
I pray it is not serious, because we need him fit for the remider of the season.