Major injury blow for Newcastle United’s Champions League competitors as Liverpool star is set for operation

One of Newcastle United’s leading competitors for a place in Europe have dealt a major blow after Liverpool midfielder Thiago was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Spain international missed the Reds dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon as his side ended the weekend one place and seven points shy of the top four places. There were some hopes Thiago would return and play some part in the remaining five games but he will now undergo a minor operation to take care of a hip injury that has limited his involvement in the campaign.

Injury issues have meant the 32-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since joining the club in a reported £20m deal in September 2020. After looking to work his way back into the Liverpool squad with substitute appearances against Arsenal, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United over the last month, Thiago was absent for Sunday’s win against Spurs and will now focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.

His latest injury blow will mean the former Barcelona star will now head into the final year of his current deal looking to regain full fitness and force his way back into a Reds midfield that is set to be given an overhaul by manager Jurgen Klopp this summer.

Thiago will not be the only Reds star missing as they prepare to host Fulham on Wednesday night after midfielder Naby Keita and striker Roberto Firmino were both ruled out of the game. Portuguese star Diogo Jota is rated as doubtful due to a back issue that has limited his involvement in recent weeks.

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