Liverpool handed double midfield blow ahead of clash against Premier League title rivals Manchester City

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara for next weekend's crunch clash against Premier League title rivals Manchester City.

The Spain international limped out of last weekend's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Thiago suffered a calf injury and he won't be back until after the international break.

That rules the former Bayern Munich midfielder out of Saturday's trip to Brentford, the Champions League clash at Porto on Tuesday and the crucial game against Man City on Sunday 3 October.

Asked when Thiago will return to fitness, Klopp said: “It's not 100% clear. It's a muscle issue in the calf.

“After the international break, probably. I don't think anything earlier is possible but we will see."

Thiago’s absence represents a big blow for Liverpool.

After a difficult maiden season at Anfield, the 30-year-old had started to show why he was brought to the club in victories over Leeds and Palace.

Keita doubts

To make matters worse, the Reds may also be without Naby Keita when they face City.

He suffered a knock during the 3-0 defeat of Norwich in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and was withdrawn at half-time.

Keita will definitely not be involved against Brentford.

Klopp said: “It’s nothing really serious but keeps him out of the next game for sure and maybe a bit longer.

“It's nothing serious but obviously painful and we have to see how we can deal with that.

“It's not cool when the players have had a good pre-season and could have played a lot of games.”

Injury update

Liverpool, of course, are already without Harvey Elliott for the foreseeable future.

The 18-year-old suffered an ankle injury against Leeds and has been ruled out for several months.

The Reds do welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed the Palace win due to illness.

James Milner also had a cold that kept him out of the Norwich meeting but he’s also available to face Brentford.

Roberto Firmino continues his comeback from a hamstring setback and could be involved against Porto.