Setback for Klopp: BBC man reacts to ‘huge blow’ for Liverpool ahead of Champions League final

According to BBC pundit Alan Hutton, it would be a ‘huge blow’ for Liverpool if they were to be without Thiago Alcantara for the Champions League final on Saturday night.

The Reds are set to take on Real Madrid in the Paris showdown this weekend after securing a 5-2 aggregate victory over Villarreal in the semi-finals to book their place at the Stade de France.

However, they might have to try and get their hands on the trophy without the 31-year-old maestro, who suffered an Achilles injury in the Premier League clash against Wolves which forced him off early on the final day of the domestic season.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Spain midfielder is facing an uphill battle to be fit in time for the match in Paris.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton admitted that Thiago would be a big loss in the middle of the park for Liverpool, but he thinks that the Spaniard will do everything within his power to make himself available for selection.

The former Scotland defender said of the midfielder: “He gives you that calming influence. He’s got that quality a lot of people could only dream of.

“So to not have him fit and available will be a huge blow, I think. You have to look at the other way and be positive. It’s an opportunity for somebody else to come in and shine.

“They’ll do everything they can to get Thiago fit. I think if there’s even a little chance of playing, you’re going to give it a try.

“I just see it as an opportunity, they’ve got a strong squad. It’s a chance for somebody else to come in and play in the Champions League final. It’s the biggest game you’ll ever play in your life.”

The 46-cap Spain international has been an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI this season, so if he isn’t declared fully