Jurgen Klopp Reveals Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic Suffer Setbacks
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic have suffered further setbacks in their respective recoveries from injury. Thiago has not featured for the Reds since undergoing hip surgery in May, while Bajcetic had just returned to action after overcoming an adductor injury.
Klopp spoke to the press ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, and revealed that Thiago had suffered two setbacks in his rehabilitation, while Bajcetic had felt something else after playing a few minutes in the wins over LASK and Leicester City.
The German manager was hopeful that both players would return after the international break, but was unwilling to put any pressure on them. He did, however, have better news on Cody Gakpo, who left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a knee brace last weekend. Gakpo is already closing in on a return to action, and is likely to be joined by Conor Bradley, who has been out since suffering an injury in pre-season.
Klopp said that Gakpo had already taken off the brace and was walking normally around the training ground. He added that Bradley was running and that they were giving him three weeks more than necessary due to the growing process of the body.
The Reds have been hit hard by injuries this season, with Thiago, Bajcetic, Gakpo and Bradley all missing significant game time. However, Klopp is hopeful that they will all be back in action soon and will be a welcome boost for the team as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
In the meantime, Liverpool will have to make do without them as they face Brighton on Sunday. The Seagulls are currently 14th in the table, but have been in good form of late and will be looking to take advantage of any weaknesses in the Reds’ squad.
It remains to be seen how Klopp’s side will cope without Thiago and Bajcetic, but with Gakpo and Bradley closing in on a return, there is still hope that Liverpool can get back to their best form and challenge for the title.