Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jurgen Klopp confirms hammer blow to Liverpool plans as star suffers injury setback, but positive contract update emerges

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota of Liverpool

Liverpool could be without Luis Diaz once the domestic campaign returns after Jurgen Klopp confirmed the winger has suffered an injury setback, though there has been a more positive update on Robert Firmino’s future.

Diaz has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season, registering four goals and three assists. The left winger sustained a knee injury during the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on October 9, which kept him out for the remaining seven games in the run up to the World Cup.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool were ‘relieved’ that Diaz didn’t immediately require surgery when he picked up the problem.

Diaz had been making steady progress in the build up to the World Cup and during the tournament. He was hoping to feature in Liverpool’s friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan in Dubai.

This would have set the attacker up for Liverpool’s first game back after the World Cup. They face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Thursday December 22. After that, Klopp’s men will play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

However, Diaz has been sent home from the club’s Dubai training camp after once again injuring his knee. He will have scans on the issue once he returns to England.

When asked about his squad, Klopp confirmed Diaz’s setback. “It’s all good [fitness-wise] with the boys who are here,” the manager said (via the Daily Mirror).

“What’s not good is we have to see with Lucho [Diaz]. He felt something and we need to have further assessment there, but apart from that they all look really, really good.”

Luis Diaz setback will badly affect Liverpool

Diaz has become an integral player for Liverpool since moving to Anfield from Porto in January. He has also established himself as a fan favourite thanks to his silky skills and all-action style.

So for the Colombian to be handed an injury setback is a massive blow to Klopp and Liverpool as a whole.

While there is bad news surrounding Diaz, there appears to be good news over the future of fellow attacker Firmino.

The 31-year-old is currently training with Liverpool in Dubai after narrowly missing out on the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

His future at Liverpool has become uncertain in recent months. This is because his contract expires at the end of the campaign and a few European clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.

Roberto Firmino boost

Luckily for Liverpool fans, it seems Firmino will be remaining on Merseyside for a couple more seasons. As per German journalist Florian Plettenberg, talks between Liverpool and Firmino over a new deal have begun and are going smoothly.

He can ‘really imagine’ staying at Liverpool, potentially beyond 2025.

Klopp’s future will impact whether Firmino stays due to their close bond. But with the German likely to remain at Liverpool for a few more years, it seems Firmino is here to stay as well.

Sorting Firmino’s contract will be a major boost for everyone involved with Liverpool. They failed to sort Sadio Mane’s in time and this allowed him to push for a Bayern Munich transfer.

Before the season began many were wondering where Firmino would fit in. But he has forced himself back into contention and looks set to play a big role in the new year.

Meanwhile, an insider has revealed exactly what Jordan Henderson thinks about potential Liverpool signing Jude Bellingham.