Liverpool could have £225,000/week gem fit in time to face Bournemouth and Newcastle in late August after injury scare

Jurgen Klopp could have Thiago back fit to face Newcastle United and Bournemouth in late August.

The club believes they have caught the hamstring injury early after scans on Sunday indicated he should miss no more than a couple of weeks.

This comes from the ever reliable Neil Jones, who reports that he shouldn't be out for the initially feared 4-8 weeks.

It's a boost for Liverpool as it means that the £225,000/week midfielder should only miss games against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

Thiago should be back in time to face Bournemouth and Newcastle later this month but his injury is still a significant concern.

Jurgen Klopp will be worried about Thiago's chances of remaining injury-free this season as he was unable to make it through the first game of the Premier League campaign.

In many ways, Thiago is a luxury player - he's arguably the most gifted midfielder in the league but has one of the worst career injury records.

The transfer window remains open until the end of August and Julian Ward could be tasked with solving the Reds' injury dilemma with a move for the likes of Nicolo Barella or Matheus Nunes.

It's going to be an exciting 2-3 weeks as we watch from afar as Liverpool weigh up their transfer plans before deciding if signing a midfielder this month is the ideal solution.

It seems pessimistic but I struggle to see how the Reds can keep pace with Manchester City without more quality and depth in the middle of the park.

Injuries are expected throughout the season, but not having Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Thiago and Naby Keita (illness) exposes Liverpool's vulnerability to midfield injuries.

Midfield also happens to be the most demanding position in Klopp's side and so the natural wear and tear experienced during the season could put the German in compromising positions as the season grows older.