Jurgen Klopp has revealed Liverpool have taken the decision for Thiago Alcantara to go under the knife in order to ensure his fitness for the start of pre-season.
Thiago won't play again this campaign due to an operation to cure a long-standing hip problem that kept him out for two months earlier this year.
The 32-year-old. who has been limited to 28 outings this term, has been hampered by a succession of injuries since arriving at Anfield from Bayern Munich in September 2020.
READ MORE: Liverpool new home kit 2023/24 unveiled as Nike reinvent a classic
And asked about the Spaniard's fitness on Friday, Klopp confirmed surgery now will mean Thiago is available for the beginning of pre-season preparations in early July.
"Thiago will have surgery and is out for the rest of the season," said the Reds boss. "It's the same issue he was recently out for a couple of months with.
"Do I expect him to now be fit for pre-season? Yes, that's why we do it now."
Thiago will join Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Stefan Bajcetic and Calvin Ramsay on the sidelines for Saturday's Premier League visit of Brentford, with there also doubts over the fitness Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson.
Jota is still troubled by the heavy whack to the back he received from West Ham United's Vladimir Coufal last week, while Henderson took a knock towards the end of Wednesday's 1-0 home win over Fulham.
"Diogo has his back issue, the bruised rib," said Klopp. "He could train yesterday (Thursday) but he couldn't do a lot, to be honest. He was not really in danger of any kind of contact. We have to see there.
"Bobby is not yet in team training, we hope that he can start next week with team training.
"Hendo, we have to see. Yesterday he had a scan and we haven't had the results yet. It will not be a big thing but maybe it's enough to rule him out for tomorrow, I don't know that yet. I wouldn't say I have a line-up dilemma. When they are all fit then you can make a choice. That feels much better than when you don't have any."
READ NEXT
- Liverpool to play national anthem at Anfield before Brentford
- Liverpool new home kit 2023/24 unveiled as Nike reinvent a classic
- Trent Alexander-Arnold sends brutal Premier League title message to Arsenal
- Souness describes 'boiling' Keane and Neville after Liverpool thrashed Man Utd
- Alexis Mac Allister transfer latest as Liverpool make Brighton midfielder priority target
