Thiago Alcantara Injury: Updates on Bayern Munich Star's Status and Return

Updates from Thursday, Oct. 23

Thiago Alcantara underwent surgery on Thursday, according to Bayern Munich's official Twitter feed:

Updates from Monday, Oct. 20

Thiago Alcantara is set to undergo surgery to correct the ligament tear that has provided a new setback to his season.

It had been suggested that Thiago had ignored club wishes to have the procedure in Spain, but ITV.com provides the latest from chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge:

"

It was clear from the beginning, when he injured himself on Tuesday, that he would be operated on in Spain.

The Spanish doctor is a very good doctor who, besides, uses the very same techniques that are used in Vail in America.

He will be operated on tomorrow.

"

Updates from Friday, Oct. 17

Pep Guardiola has confessed Bayern Munich's staff are at a loss to explain Thiago Alcantara's fresh injury setback.

The classy midfield has suffered a new ligament tear, and Guardiola commented, per FCB Media's Cristian Nyari:

Original Text

Bayern Munich have confirmed Thiago Alcantara's lengthy spell on the sideline is set to continue after he suffered a fresh ligament tear in training.

The Spanish midfielder's latest setback was confirmed by the club's official Twitter account:

News of Thiago's need for an operation is particularly frustrating due to his recent return from injury. The 23-year-old completed his first full training session in months on Monday but has once again fallen victim to incredibly bad luck.

So far, his Bayern career is defined by constant fitness problems, as noted with his variation of injuries in the summer of 2013, March of this year and in August. He is set for another lengthy layoff after his recent tear, meaning the Allianz Arena will once again miss the chance to see the classy player in action.

Squawka highlighted how regularly Thiago has been forced to sit out in the domestic division:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe wonders whether the player will ever reach his potential:

Thiago was at the centre of an intriguing transfer battle before heading to Bayern, per Simon Rice of The Independent. Both the Bavarian side and Manchester United were said to be following his progress, despite Barca wanting him to remain at the Camp Nou.

The versatile midfielder moved in search of first-team football after captaining Spain's under-21 side to the European Championship title. According to the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, his father, Mazinho, insisted Thiago "would play a lot more in any other team in the world," and that his son needed to move in order to receive the best possible chance of making Spain's 2014 World Cup squad.

As it turns out, a knee ligament injury would see Thiago miss the Brazilian showpiece. Somewhat frustratingly, La Roja could have used his burst of pace and youthful exuberance through the middle, as Vicente del Bosque's side crumbled in the group stages.

Thiago is a crafty midfielder—someone who can pull off something special at any moment. Pep Guardiola's decision to bring him in speaks volumes about the player he helped nurture at Barcelona.

The developing star scored two goals and provided four assists during 16 Bundesliga displays last season, per WhoScored.com. He also appeared in four Champions League ties but hasn't stepped foot onto the competitive pitch since the end of March.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Thiago was extremely unlucky to get within touching distance of fitness before suffering a relapse of his knee injury in August, so this latest unrelated blow comes as quite a shock. It is particularly disappointing when you consider the midfielder was touted to step into Toni Kroos' shoes this season, something he will be unable to do for quite some time.

Bayern fans will undoubtedly rally around their stricken player. Thiago is an immensely talented star who needs experience to fully tap into his full potential. Guardiola appears willing to provide him with this, but Thiago's long-term battle with fitness is what that will concern everyone right now.