Liverpool has been handed a massive boost with the return of Colombian winger Luis Diaz to first-team training.
The 25-year-old has not played since damaging his knee ligaments in a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal last October. He was expected to be sidelined for just three months.
However, he suffered a reoccurrence during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai and was ruled out for another 14 weeks.
His injury has impacted Liverpool negatively, with the Reds’ struggling to break into the top four this season. They have missed the Colombians’ dynamism and pace this season, resulting in the signing of Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo in January.
Diaz was an instant hit at Anfield when he joined in January 2022 following a £50 million switch from FC Porto. His arrival catalysed a prolonged spell of distinctive form that almost led the team to a historic Quadruple.
He scored six goals and created five assists in his first 26 appearances for the club last season. This season, he only managed to make 12 appearances in all competitions before his injury, contributing four goals and three assists.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to get the 25-year-old back in the fold and has closely monitored his progress for the past month. However, the German is determined not to ask too much or too soon of Diaz.
With the Colombian now cleared to join the first teams training at Kirkby after coming out unscathed in light training with the Academy players, Liverpool will be hopeful he will soon be fit to play a massive part in their crucial run of games.
The Reds face a crucial run of games immediately after the international break beginning with a visit to Manchester City this Saturday. It might be possible for Diaz to be on the bench before they face Chelsea and Arsenal.
