Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has provided a fitness update on long-term absentee Luis Diaz.
The Reds manager was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal.
Diaz has been out of action for the last six months due to a knee injury.
The Reds forward’s last outing was Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to the Gunners back in October.
In a big boost for the Anfield camp, Diaz was pictured back in team training on Thursday.
‘We have to be careful’
However, Klopp made it clear he won’t be rushing the £45million signing back into action.
He revealed that Liverpool’s trip to Leeds United on Monday 17 April is a more likely return for Diaz.
“The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100 per cent for Leeds,” Klopp told the Liverpool media team.
“Again, it looks good, everything is fine, but it was a long, long injury and so we have to be careful.
“We will probably not involve him for Sunday.”
Klopp was able to share other positive fitness updates.
Thiago Alcantara and Virgil van Dijk are also back in training.
Liverpool will monitor the midfielder’s fitness and make a decision on whether he’ll play against Arsenal.
Thiago hasn’t played since February due to a hip injury, while Van Dijk missed the Chelsea game through illness.
Liverpool have missed Diaz’s energy and pace on the left wing, so it’s great to see him back in training.
It’s also good that Klopp is taking his time with his recovery, minimising the chances of a relapse.
Liverpool’s season is close to being a write-off, but things are certainly getting better on the injury front.
A good end to the campaign, followed by a strong pre-season, will no doubt see Liverpool fighting for silverware next term.
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