Liverpool suffer major injury blow amid Premier League title race with Man City and Arsenal

Liverpool look set to be without Thiago Alcantara for another spell after the midfielder suffered an injury setback during his brief appearance against Arsenal last weekend.

The 32-year-old came off the bench for his first appearance of the season in the 85th-minute but felt a muscle problem and will need to be reassessed. Liverpool lost the top-of-the-table clash 3-1, handing the impetus to Manchester City in the title race.

Thiago had been out of action for around 10 months but had been involved in training for a while, with Liverpool keen not to rush the midfielder back and risk another injury. But despite their best efforts, the Spanish international faces another spell on the sidelines in a big blow for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Liverpool are already without Mohamed Salah, who suffered a hamstring injury during Egypt's 2-2 draw with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations. The winger has been spotted on the grass but not with his teammates and could still be out for another few weeks.

Dominik Szoboszlai has also been absent in recent weeks after picking up an injury against Newcastle on New Year's Day. No return date has been set for him yet.

The blow comes just as Liverpool handed City the chance to go top with that defeat at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola's side dispatched Brentford on Monday and can climb to first if they win at home to Everton on Saturday lunchtime - albeit Klopp's side can reclaim top spot with victory over Burnley later that afternoon.

In contrast to their title rivals, City are now welcoming back their long-term absentees with both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland starting at Brentford on Monday. Manuel Akanji was also back on the bench and could be involved against Everton on Saturday.

Haaland is yet to score on his return but set up Phil Foden for his third and final goal at Brentford. De Bruyne, meanwhile, has already registered a goal and four assists since making his return in the FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town last month.