Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said ahead of the Bournemouth game that Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara are close but not yet available for selection.
The Spanish duo did not participate in any preseason games and have been out of action since the second half of last season. The good news is that both have returned to first-team training. It is understandable that they would need time to get match fit due to the lack of pre-season action.
Thiago had a hip problem, while Bajcetic suffered a stress injury in March that forced him to miss the rest of the season. They are both guys who, if they had been available, could have started against Chelsea and outperformed the midfield at Stamford Bridge.
Jurgen Klopp confirms that Stefan Bajcetic has returned but is not yet ready to play.
When asked about the status of the pair, Klopp remarked (via Liverpool Echo):
“Stefan Bajcetic, you’re almost there, but not quite there yet.” We rely heavily on him. Thiago Alcanatara, you’re almost there, but not quite.”
Liverpool has recruited Wataru Endo to provide cover in defensive midfield. If he is available to play this weekend, one can picture Klopp being persuaded to start him against Bournemouth.
While Alexis Mac Allister performed admirably as a six last Sunday, he is more effective as a box-to-box midfielder with the ability to pick up space between the lines and devastate the opposing back line with critical passes and assists.
Endo as a guardian would allow the Argentine and Dominik Szoboszlai to think about attacking first on the ball. They dropped too deep against Chelsea because Mac Allister was not playing in his natural position and was conservative.
Finally, let’s hope Bajcetic and Thiago are fit to play against Newcastle United next Sunday. We won’t be surprised if they don’t appear until after the international break.
