Questions were raised when Thiago was not listed in either the starting lineup or as one of the nine substitutes against Tottenham. Reports indicated that he was spotted “limping his way to the bench” prior to kick-off at Anfield. This could explain his absence, although there is currently no word on the specific injury plaguing Thiago. Klopp could offer an insight post-match. Thiago had been absent from training on Friday and Klopp had not disclosed any fitness issues when speaking to the press earlier in the day. This is the fourth separate occasion that the midfielder has missed a game this season, having previously been out with a hamstring injury, illness and a hip flexor issue. He had played 96 minutes off the bench in the last four matches after returning from a 10-game absence with a hip injury – his last start was in February at Wolves.
On a more positive note, Luis Diaz was selected to make his first start in 203 days, a long-awaited return to the XI after building up his match fitness with 49 minutes off the bench in the last three matches.