Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz has claimed he’s determined to return to Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI as soon as possible, potentially eyeing the Champions League second-leg against Real Madrid.
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, the 26-year-old spoke of the last four months and his long-awaited recovery from a knee injury, which was well on the way before a sudden setback.
“The frustration is big, of course, but I try to put into my head that it could happen to anyone and it is now done,” Diaz said.
“It can happen to the best player, to any player an injury like this could happen. I put it in my head that I could go through this injury and just need to recover and work hard to come back when I’m 100 per cent.
“The mentality, in your head, is the most important because you are not playing and that is the thing you want to do. If you have a good mentality you can improve.
“I’m already at the pitch making recovery but as you can understand with an injury on the knee, the recovery is day by day so I cannot tell you which match I’ll be back, I’m trying to be back as soon as possible. The desire is big to be back playing when 100 per cent ready to help the team, with care.”
It was suggested that the return leg of Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 clash against Real Madrid next month could be a possible comeback date. However, the Colombian wasn’t keen to put a timeframe on it, claiming “if it is the Bernabeu, it will be”.
Liverpool need Diaz back
Although Cody Gakpo hasn’t done anything wrong since making the move to Anfield, it would be incredibly helpful for Liverpool if Diaz was back on the left-wing.
Before his injury, the attacker was one of the Reds’ best players this term.
In 12 appearances this season, the Colombia international amassed four goals and three assists.
However, it was more his daring contributions on the field where he got the team going which accounted for any sort of success the Merseyside outfit may have had.
Since signing for Liverpool, Diaz has hit the ground running. He has been fearless in a Reds shirt, and this is exactly what the side have needed when being pulled out of a bad situation.
Therefore, the former Porto man will continue to play a huge part in Klopp’s squad going forward – especially once the rebuild is underway.