Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his excitement at the return of Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz, detailing what role he could play in the final 12 games of the season.
The former Porto winger suffered a knee injury during the defeat at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal in October before suffering a setback during the break for the World Cup. But the Reds and boss Jurgen Klopp have been dealt a boost ahead of the resumption of the Premier League campaign after the March internationals with the Colombian back in first-team training.
Injury problems have ravaged Klopp's attacking line throughout this season with long-term absences for Diogo Jota, Diaz as well as differing issues for Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino. As a result, Mohamed Salah has been the mainstay in attack for Liverpool, with the January addition of Cody Gakpo bolstering their options.
READ MORE: Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez train as Liverpool get triple injury boost for Man City
The Reds sit nine points off fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur going into this weekend's trip to defending champions Manchester City. However, Spurs have played two matches more and have endured a whirlwind international break that saw manager Antonio Conte sacked, to be temporarily replaced by Cristian Stellini, and FIFA extending director of football Fabio Paratici's 30-month football ban in Italy to worldwide.
Diaz is likely to be in the squad for the trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on City. And Alexander-Arnold has delivered his verdict on what difference the Colombian can make ahead of the run-in.
"He's a top player, a top lad," said the full-back speaking to Liverpoolfc.com. "It's been a tough season for him to see him out so much. But he's back, he's back smiling, he's enjoying his football, so that's all you can ask (for).
"With a player like that, he brings enthusiasm to the team and brings a spark that not many players have. It's exciting to have him back."
The City clash sparks a tricky run for the Reds as they look to salvage an underwhelming campaign. A trip to the capital to face Chelsea before facing league-leaders Arsenal at Anfield follows after Klopp and Pep Guardiola lock horns once again.
And Alexander-Arnold added: "I think [if] we get three big results and it's game-on really, and hopefully the season pushes on to be a good one. These three results can define the season if we let it and if we want it to.
"We want to go out there and win all three games – and that's our plan. I think as a team we've probably lacked that confidence at times during the season. But to go and get big results against big teams will instil that confidence back within us.
"We're excited as a team, we're looking fresh, good in training and we're excited. It's going to be a big week and then hopefully a big end to the season for us."
"Every time you play against Man City, the motivation's there no matter what," Alexander-Arnold continued. "Over the past five, six years, I would say us and them have been the best teams in the league, and they show their quality year in, year out and consistently.
"They're always up there as one of, if not the best team in the world. That'll be the same on Saturday. We need to play a really good game and execute our game plan to have a chance of winning it. I think we're able to go there and get the result but it's about making sure we earn it."
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