Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has yet another headache to contend with during what is an already frustrating 2022-23 season on the red half of Merseyside as the Reds are set to be without star Colombian winger Luis Díaz.
The former FC Porto standout was removed just before halftime during the 3-2 away loss against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday in what was their second loss on the season that keeps them very much on the outside looking in as the anointed challengers to Manchester City continue to fall away in the title race and now rest 14-points behind Mikel Arteta’s table-topping Gunners.
Díaz is now expected to miss the next ten matches for Liverpool and his date of return is slated for after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in what is another blow for Liverpool who has already failed to live up to expectations this term.
The Colombian international arrived at Anfield during the winter window last season and was an immediate spark plug for Klopp and forced his way into the starting XI, becoming a key figure for the German tactician on the back of multiple all-action displays on the left flank while cutting an influential figure in the final third from the moment he arrived.
Though he started the current season well with three goals in as many appearances, including a brace in the 9-0 destruction of Bournemouth on matchday four, Díaz has found the back of the net just once in his last seven outings across all competitions and has not been immune to what ails Liverpool during their current worrying spell.
With his absence now confirmed, Klopp will have just Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez as his only experienced attacking options over the coming weeks, and may now have to turn to offer the likes of Harvey Elliot and Fábio Carvalho increased minutes given dual commitments both on the home front and the continent.
Liverpool clash with Glasgow Rangers in midweek before another crunch Premier League meeting with Manchester City on Sunday, followed by meetings with West Ham United and AFC Ajax in the proceeding days. Díaz will surely be missed as the club look to avoid further disaster in what is shaping up to be a season where they could well be replaced come May.
