Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Luis Diaz is expected to return to Liverpool training "in the next week" after recovering from a long-term injury.
The Colombian winger has not featured for the Reds since October after damaging his knee ligaments against Arsenal. Following a setback in his recovery in December, Diaz was forced to undergo surgery, but is finally set to return to training in the near future.
Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Bournemouth, Klopp said: "Luis, I hope will be able [to train] in the next week." In worse news, the Liverpool manager confirmed that Joe Gomez will miss the trip to the Vitality Stadium with a muscle issue, but he hopes the English centre-back "might be able to train [in the] middle of the week."
Another player that will sit out of the game against Bournemouth is Thiago, who has missed the last month of action due to a hip flexor injury. It is believed that the Spanish midfielder's condition is improving, but the clash with the Cherries will come too soon.
Klopp concluded: "All three [are] not available [to face Bournemouth]. Apart from that, nothing that I have heard about." Calvin Ramsay is Liverpool's only long-term absentee and will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Liverpool travel to the south coast on Saturday looking for their third successive Premier League win as they try and leapfrog Tottenham into the top four. The Reds know that a win over Bournemouth - who sit bottom of the table - in the early kick-off will see them move into fourth place ahead of Spurs' clash with Nottingham Forest at 3pm.
Klopp was asked about the Champions League places and said: "We have to chase and challenge everyone. The main thing is going to Bournemouth and playing a game there.
What is your scoreline prediction for Bournemouth versus Liverpool? Have your say in the comments!
"I watched the way they play and it can be really uncomfortable for teams. We might fight for the Champions League spots but the fight for staying in the league is just as exciting. I'm sure Bournemouth will fight like crazy."
In the reverse fixture, the Reds thrashed Bournemouth 9-0 at Anfield thanks to doubles from Roberto Firmino and Diaz, goals from Harvey Elliott, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Djik and Fabio Carvalho, and a Chris Mepham own-goal. It marked the Reds' record Premier League win.
Klopp added: "Bournemouth play a different system and we don't play at home. We have to show consistency and make sure we create the atmosphere on the pitch. "
Liverpool recorded a 7-0 win over Manchester United last time out and are running into form at the right time of the season. They face Bournemouth at the weekend for their final league game ahead of the international break, before travelling to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
