Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara struggling with hip injury ahead of Everton game

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara is struggling with a hip problem.

The Reds play against Everton in their 21st Premier League game of the season at Anfield on Monday.

They are already without French centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who injured his hamstring last month.

Virgil van Dijk is back in Liverpool alongside Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Arthur, but the Merseyside derby could come too soon for the Dutchman.

Thiago missed training on Thursday due to a hip flexor problem and is doubtful for Monday’s game.

Jota is in contention to face the Toffees, but Luis Diaz is not expected to return to action until next month.

Liverpool have suffered injury woes all season. They have lost seven league games this term and are 10th in the Premier League.

Thiago has featured in 14 league games this term, and the Reds cannot afford to miss him.

Klopp’s side have not won a league game in 2023, with their last victory coming on December 30 against Leicester City.

However, they will fancy their chances against Everton despite their woeful form.

The Blues have won just one of their last nine league games. It came against Arsenal last weekend in manager Sean Dyche’s first game in charge.

They will be feeling pretty confident ahead of their trip to Anfield, but their record at the home ground of their bitter city rivals does not look good.

Everton have won just once at Anfield in 24 years, with that victory coming in February 2021. Liverpool have lost only once at home across all competitions this term.

They will be keen to make life difficult for their relegation-threatened neighbours on Monday.