Liverpool midfielder Thiago has not been included in the Spain squad for their upcoming Nations League games against Switzerland and Portugal.
The 31-year-old has made just three appearances so far this season (excluding the Community Shield), including just one Premier League game. He picked up a hamstring problem on the opening day against Fulham and missed the Reds' following five games.
Thiago returned to action at the start of the month and played just under half an hour of the 4-1 defeat away at Napoli last week. He made his first start since the Fulham draw midweek in the 2-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League.
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Liverpool 's next game comes at the start of next month following the conclusion of the international break, when they host Brighton at Anfield on October 1. Jurgen Klopp 's side have now had two of their league games postponed following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - last weekend's home tie against Wolves, as well as this weekend's trip to face Chelsea.
Thiago's omission from the squad will be a welcomed boost as he continues to build fitness ahead of an intense run of games in October and November. The midfielder's importance to Liverpool has been made clear in recent weeks as his absence was the most sorely felt among a number of injuries in the squad.
The Spain international has racked up over 40 caps for his country since he made his debut in 2011 at just 20 years of age. However, he's played more of a bit-part role in recent years and has been called up to the squad on just one occasion since the Euros last year.
However, he was forced to withdraw from international duty over the summer due to a muscle injury before he eventually returned for pre-season training. The most recent omission, while a positive for Klopp and Liverpool, will be a major blow for the player with the World Cup in Qatar just a matter of months away.
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