Alexander-Arnold says that Liverpool have a ‘very exciting’ player who could be starting again soon

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Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised teammate Luis Diaz ahead of his imminent return from injury.

Diaz has missed most of the season, having been forced from the pitch against Arsenal in October. But after stepping up his work-load gradually over the last two weeks, he’s set to be named in the squad to take on Leeds United next Monday.

And speaking in his pre-Arsenal programme notes via the Liverpool Echo this weekend, Trent said he can’t wait to see the Colombian back.

“He’s very important. He is a very exciting player, someone who plays the game in an amazing way and someone who we have obviously missed this season,” said the 24-year-old.

“It’s exciting to have him back and it’s still early-doors but hopefully he can stay fit and help us from now until the end of the season.”

Diaz provides timely boost for Liverpool

It’s hard to say just where Liverpool would have been had Diaz been fit all season. One man on his own wouldn’t have changed the decline that the Reds have suffered. But he could certainly have helped.

In fairness, it’s worth pointing out that Liverpool weren’t very good even with Diaz in the team. The 4-1 loss away at Napoli springs to mind as one of the very worst performances of the season. Although the Colombian was easily the Reds best player that day, he couldn’t stop a rotten team display.

Still, there have been shoots of recovery. Sunday’s second-half comeback against Arsenal has given hope that there is still some fight left in Liverpool to make an unlikely late run at the top four.

Just like he did last season, perhaps Diaz’s injection into the side can give them the lift they need to get over the line.

With just nine games of the season to go, Liverpool are 12 points adrift of the Champions League places. That looks like a tall order. But it also looked near-impossible for the Reds to push Manchester City all the way to the final day last season. With Diaz’s help, they managed to do that.

There will be no such prospect of glory this time around. Nevertheless, as Trent says, the return of Liverpool’s flying Colombian’s return is something we can all get excited about.