Thiago was replaced by Naby Keita in the starting line-up
Thiago Alcântara cut an emotional figure prior to kick-off between Liverpool and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley after injuring himself in the warm-up.
The Spaniard was set to start alongside captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield for the Reds, but he suffered an injury prior to kick-off.
While it is unclear what exactly ruled the former Bayern Munich man out of contention, he was replaced in the starting line-up by Naby Keita, with youngster Harvey Elliott coming on to the bench.
Moments before kick-off, Thiago could be seen being consoled by goalkeeper Alisson, who himself was on the bench with Caoimhin Kelleher retaining his position as Liverpool’s cup goalkeeper.
Alisson comforts a distraught Thiago, who suffered an injury in the warm-up
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 27, 2022
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side started the final on top and should’ve taken the lead early in the tie when Christian Pulisic was denied by Kelleher from close range after some great play by Kai Havertz.
🗣 "What a chance! Havertz has started this game so well!"
A huge chance for Chelsea in the #CarabaoCupFinal 🔵 pic.twitter.com/KmSGYv5qri
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 27, 2022
However, the Reds began to assert themselves in the tie and dominated towards the end of the first-half. Sadio Mane came close to putting Jurgen Klopp’s side in front, only for Chelsea shot-stopper Edouard Mendy to make a stunning save to deny him from close range.
AMAZING DOUBLE SAVE!!
Take a bow Mendy 👏 pic.twitter.com/X9FIIj8gtN
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 27, 2022
Despite the Reds enjoying the majority of possession towards the end of the first-half, Mason Mount missed a glorious chance to put the Blues in the lead, but the England international couldn’t direct his volley on target.
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