Long-term injuries are tough, especially when you're at the peak of your powers.
Luis Diaz knows exactly what that feels like, as he approaches the six-month anniversary of his most recent Premier League outing. The Colombia international, 26, suffered a serious knee injury the last time Liverpool played Arsenal and is unlikely to be fit in time for the return meeting between the two clubs at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Diaz has almost become the forgotten man on Merseyside, with the Reds slipping down the table. Last year's Champions League finalists are eighth and likely to be absent from Europe's premier competition next term. There's even been talk of Diaz leaving Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp's comments on Friday suggest the player has a future.
"The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100 per cent for Leeds [on April 17]," Klopp told reporters. "Again, it looks good. Everything is fine, but it was a long, long injury and we have to be careful. We will probably not involve him for Sunday."
That precaution speaks volumes. Klopp wants Diaz to get back to his best heading into the business end of the campaign and pre-season, a vital period which will help the player regain his best form. He doesn't want to risk him against the Premier League leaders.
Klopp knows how good Diaz is in full flow. He was signed from Porto in January 2022 and made an instant impact on Merseyside, taking Roberto Firmino's starting spot and leading Liverpool's Quadruple charge. As we know, they won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and finished as runners-up in the Premier League and Champions League last term.
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Although Diaz's stats are modest - scoring four goals and three assists in 13 Premier League games last season - his influence is clear. He's a focal point for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks to play those trademark diagonal balls into Diaz's feet. His presence also allowed Sadio Mane to be more effective as a centre-forward before the Senegal international's switch to Bayern Munich last summer.
Diaz's pace, quick feet and talent on the ball are all worthy attributes, yet it is his ability to read the game that is really compelling. His link-up play improves those around him, and it's clear he fits perfectly in Klopp's system. Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are all good players, but Diaz is the attacker Liverpool are dearly missing.
That's why it was surprising when rumours of a shock departure emerged. In February, reports in Italy suggested Liverpool were considering launching a bid to sign AC Milan talent Rafael Leao, with Diaz going the other way.
Speculation of a move to Spain also remains. Diaz told Colombian outlet SoHo in November, "I would like to play for a Spanish club that has always attracted my family’s attention, but it is more of a childish dream.
"Now I only think about lifting trophies and making history with Liverpool, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I am very grateful for the opportunity they have given me."
The second part of that comment is what counts. Diaz has delivered for Liverpool in the past and judging by Klopp's comments on Friday, there is every confidence he will make a roaring comeback. The Arsenal game is one too soon, but everyone associated with Liverpool must keep the faith. Diaz is simply too good for them to forget about.
