Liverpool fans react as Thiago suffers ANOTHER injury blow

Thiago Alcantara has suffered a fresh injury blow following his return from a ten-month layoff.

The 32-year-old midfielder made his long-awaited comeback in Sunday's 3-1 defeat Arsenal, coming on for the final few minutes of the game at the Emirates.

After undergoing hip surgery last April, Thiago had initially been expected to link up with his teammates for the start of pre-season, but numerous setbacks delayed his return for half a season.

The Times' Paul Joyce now reports that the former Bayern Munich star, who last started a game for Liverpool over a year ago, "is facing another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle injury" in the weekend's comeback.

While the severity of the new issue is unspecified, it is claimed that Thiago will now be out of action again for some time, in what will be a frustrating update for player, club and fans.

Here's how social media reacted to the news:

The La Masia graduate is in the final months of his four-year contract at Liverpool, with reports claiming he is set to leave this summer, with an extension unlikely.

Barcelona have previously been tipped to re-sign their former star, while there has been speculation previously about interest from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and even Brazil.

In addition to Thiago's absence, Liverpool will be without fellow midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai for the home game against Burnley this weekend.

Ibrahima Konate is suspended after his sending off last weekend, while Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas remain long-term absentees.