Bad news, Liverpool fans. Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on the fitness of Luis Diaz after the Colombian suffered another injury setback.
Diaz has not played for the Reds since picking up a problem during Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal. However, he returned to training during the club’s mini tour of Dubai. Whilst in training, the winger appears to have picked up another knee problem.
Reports in Colombia (via This is Anfield) claim that Diaz now needs surgery which will side-line him for months.
Speaking after Liverpool’s match against Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup, Jurgen Klopp spoke about the injury Luis Diaz sustained.
“He is not in the best possible place [mentally], that is clear,” said the Reds boss, via Liverpool Echo. “It was a big disappointment for all of us and him as well. It was a nothing situation in training, honestly.
“And he felt something [in his knee]. He didn’t feel it a lot the next day, but we wanted to be cautious. So, we said: ‘come on, let’s have a proper look’ – then the news came which was a proper smash in the face. But that’s it now.”
So, Diaz’s extended period out is not good news for Liverpool. The Merseyside club also had another injury scare during their 3-1 loss to Lyon on Sunday from Harvey Elliott.
Jurgen Klopp suffers injury headaches with Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliott issues
Midfielder Elliott started the Dubai Super Cup match yesterday but went off after just 29 minutes. Thankfully, though, Klopp confirmed that this was just a precautionary measure.
“He got a knock,” said the German, via talkSPORT. “But I think we were lucky. He looks fine now.”
Another player on the treatment table is the last thing Liverpool need as they prepare for the restart of domestic football. Already injured are Diogo Jota and Arthur Melo.
Jota missed the World Cup due to an injury that he picked up during the Reds’ 1-0 win over Man City. Liverpool.com claim that the Portuguese forward could return to action in February.
In contrast, Arthur has had a positive recovery from his fitness problems. He could be available by the end of the month, per Fabrizio Romano, following a promising medical exam. This is much earlier than expected and will help bolster Liverpool’s midfield options this winter.
Similarly, The Athletic says that two important squad members have been building back up to full fitness during the World Cup break. Joel Matip has recovered from a calf issue, and Naby Keita could make a return to the pitch for the first time since July.
Liverpool have also managed to avoid any of their stars picking up serious injuries during Qatar 2022. But, sadly, they will still be without the dynamism of Luis Diaz for the next few months.
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