By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

28th Mar, 2023 | 11:35am

Sources: 'Big' Thiago Alcantara update ahead of Liverpool showdown against Man City

Liverpool have been dealt a big injury blow ahead of their trip to Manchester City this weekend, with sources telling Football Insider that Thiago Alcantara is not expected to be fit to feature.

The Spaniard has been absent since picking up a hip flexor problem in the aftermath of the Reds’ 3-0 defeat to Wolves at Molineux in early February.

It was initially reported that he was facing a four-week stint on the sidelines, with medical staff hoping that lay-off and the extra recovery time granted by the international break would have Thiago ready for a comeback.

However, Football Insider understands that he has yet to return to any form of team training and is now unlikely to be ready in time for Saturday’s trip to Manchester.

Thiago is in the midst of his second lengthy absence of the season having missed six games between August and September due to a hamstring issue.

And news of an extension to his latest lay-off comes as a particular blow after Jurgen Klopp recently lost Stefan Bajcetic for the remainder of the season.

The teenager, who has enjoyed a breakout season at Anfield, will sit out the rest of the campaign due to an adductor problem.

Klopp’s options have, however, been boosted by the return to fitness and form of Curtis Jones, who scored for England U21s in their 4-0 win over France during the international break.

The young Scouser has been restricted to just 12 appearances all season as a result of varying fitness issues but will come into contention for this weekend’s game.

However, he must see off the challenge of likelier starters in Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Harvey Elliott if he is to feature from the off at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are in the running to sign £97m sensation