Liverpool have reportedly been dealt another injury blow with Thiago Alcantara expected to miss a month of action.
The Merseyside giants have endured a torrid campaign on the domestic front, currently sitting in 10th position in the Premier League standings.
While a number of key players have under-performed, Jurgen Klopp has been plagued by selection issues due to several significant injuries to key players.
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have barely featured in the final third, while Virgil van Dijk has not played since January 2 due to a hamstring problem.
Although a number of players are back in training ahead of the derby with Everton, Klopp revealed on Friday that Thiago was a major doubt for the game.
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The Spaniard was said to have sustained a hip injury earlier in the week which had kept him out of training in the days ahead of the showdown with their neighbours.
However, according to the The Telegraph, Thiago will be absent for more than just Monday's encounter at Anfield.
The report suggests that the 31-year-old could potentially be absent from the pitch until the middle of next month.
Up to and including March 15, Liverpool have eight matches on their schedule, including two games versus Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
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Liverpool also have a trip to Newcastle United and a home meeting with Manchester United during that period, potentially season-defining fixtures.
While Thiago is known to have had fitness issues in the past, he has still made 22 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions this campaign.
As far as the Everton clash is concerned, Klopp will be able call upon Fabinho, who missed the defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers due to illness.
Jordan Henderson is also in contention to start after coming off the bench at Molineux, and both players could find themselves recalled to the team.
Darren Plant
