Liverpool receive major injury boost as Luis Diaz returns to training ahead of Man City trip

Liverpool receive major injury boost as Luis Diaz returns to training ahead of Man City trip

Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City, Luis Diaz, who hasn’t trained with the first team since October, is back and might sit on the bench.

Luis Diaz is a candidate to play against Manchester City this weekend after reporting back to Liverpool training on Tuesday.

Due to a knee injury he suffered in October, the Colombian has been out for several months and has been a major loss for the Reds.

Diaz, who just moved to Liverpool from Porto a little over a year ago but immediately made an impact, is set to make a comeback as the Merseysiders pursue the top four.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been inconsistent throughout the season and face missing out on the Champions League next term. Diaz’s return to Kirby is more than timely and, despite the plan for him to be eased in slowly, he could feature in the heavyweight contest at the Etihad on Saturday.

The Times has reported that the winger was in training on Tuesday and finished the session without any issues having warmed up with the academy squad last week as he seeks to get back to match sharpness – which is still someway away.

Klopp could opt to name Diaz on the bench, a decision that will be made along with the Liverpool medical staff, for the lunchtime kick-off this weekend. It is by no means a guarantee of minutes for the 26-year-old, who has three goals in his eight appearances this term.

The Reds boss previously detailed the influence Diaz could have once he returns, given the quality he’s already shown. He said:

“When he’s back he will be really good and very impactful, of course. That’s clear, [but] how quickly I don’t know. We have to see, that’s the big challenge in these moments.

“There’s no time for being patient but you have to be patient. So, we will see, but I am positive about him, that he has a good chance to have a real impact in like 10, 11 or 12 games maybe. Let’s see how long it exactly takes.”

Liverpool’s attack has undergone a major rejig in recent years and Diaz is by no means guaranteed a start, even when he returns to full fitness. Klopp has signed a forward in each of his last three transfer windows with Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo all joining.

In other news, Liverpool set to sign £70m Superstar Steven Gerrard called ;big talent