Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed winger Luis Diaz will definitely be included in his matchday squad to face Leeds United on Monday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference today, the German shared a fitness update on the Colombian, who has been spotted in first-team training this week.
“He is 100% normal in training. He is completely ready, now we have to reintegrate,” said Klopp.
“He will be in the squad, unless something happens.
“Yes [It’s like having a new player]. He is settling better, his English is better. He has really matured again, much more comfortable than he was at the beginning. That will really help him. He is like a breath of fresh air every day in training with a smile on his face.
“Now being back after such a long time, he didn’t lose his skills which is good!”
Klopp says Diaz will be ready for Leeds
During the first part of the season when Liverpool struggled across all areas of the pitch, Diaz was probably the only player – apart from Alisson Becker – who showed any sort of promise.
As per WhoScored, the 26-year-old is still ranked as the Reds’s best player in the Premier League this term, having averaged an impressed 7.28 match rating.
Whilst Liverpool’s attack have looked better in recent weeks, the side haven’t been as clinical as Klopp would have hoped for.
Numerous chances have been squandered, so the re-emergence of Diaz will give the manager a huge threat off the bench.
It’s unlikely he will start from the off, but his presence as a substitute will be a major bonus for Liverpool.