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 Lowdown: Thiago injured

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.

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The Latest: Hutton praises Thiago’s quality

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 Verdict: Big-game player

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 fit in time to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s side on Saturday, the Reds will have a huge void to fill in midfield.

Thiago has made nine European appearances during this run to the final, scoring one goal (as per Transfermarkt), showing that his performances on the Champions League stage have played a vital role in helping the Reds make it all the way to their third such final in five years.

Having won the trophy twice before (with Barcelona in 2011 and Bayern Munich two years ago), he has shown that he can come to the fore on the big occasion, just as he did in the FA Cup showpiece at Wembley a couple of weeks ago. Therefore, Kopites everywhere will pray that he can feature against Real Madrid in Paris this weekend.

In other news… one Liverpool first-team star is expected to sign a new deal with the club