Luis Diaz is unlikely to play for Liverpool against Arsenal this weekend, according to Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool fans have been anticipating Diaz’s long-awaited return to training after an injury for the past week or so.
However, after six months on the sidelines, Klopp is wary of reintroducing the Colombian. Diaz hasn’t played in either of the two games since making his comeback at the AXA Training Centre 10 days ago. That will not change on Sunday, according to Klopp’s pre-match press conference today.
“The plan with Luis is that he will be 100 percent available for Leeds [on April 17th],” the manager explained. “So, just to reiterate, everything appears to be fine, but it was a long, long injury.” As a result, we must exercise caution. We’re not going to involve him on Sunday.”
Disappointing news for Liverpool fans, who desperately need a boost ahead of the visit of the league leaders. Diaz’s recovery has already been complicated, so this is probably the best decision for him.
Despite Diaz’s blow, Klopp offers crumbs of solace.
“Thiago looks slightly different [than Diaz] because he wasn’t out as long,” Klopp explained. “[He] has now trained with the team three or four times and may be available [against Arsenal].” But we need to see how he is today.”
If everything goes well with the Spaniard, he should be back in Liverpool’s starting lineup on Sunday.
Klopp is short on legitimate options in the middle of the field, and Arsenal will bring everything they have to Anfield. Thiago should be able to play as long as he is fully fit.
It’s not the same as having both he and Diaz back at the same time. However, Jurgen provided a sort of double boost by confirming that Virgil van Dijk has recovered from the illness that kept him out of Tuesday’s draw with Chelsea. Positive indicators ahead of a big game on Sunday. Let’s show this Arsenal team that they haven’t won the league yet.
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