Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, has provided optimism for fans by suggesting that Luis Diaz is likely to be fit for the upcoming clash against Burnley today.
The Reds, eager to bounce back from consecutive draws in the Premier League, are considered favourites in the encounter, and the potential involvement of Diaz adds to their attacking prowess.
In the previous fixture against Arsenal, Luis Diaz, deployed on the left wing, faced criticism for what was deemed a subpar performance, drawing remarks from football pundit Jamie Carragher, who noted that the Colombian “looks a shadow of himself.”
The situation worsened when Diaz suffered a knock during the game, forcing manager Jurgen Klopp to substitute him in the second half.
Luis Diaz fit to play against Burnley as per van Dijk
Concerns regarding Diaz’s injury have lingered since the Arsenal match, but Van Dijk has now offered reassurance, stating that the 26-year-old attacker “should be fine” for the Burnley game.
“Lucho (Luis Diaz), I think he had a knock on the knee but he should be fine, let’s see.”
Said Van Dijk as per Liverpool Echo
Van Dijk also provided insights into the team’s injury status, expressing more concern about Kostas Tsimikas, whose injury appears more serious than initially anticipated.
Despite the potential availability of Diaz, Klopp may choose not to risk the Colombian against Burnley.
Liverpool have demonstrated their ability to secure victories without specific players, and Klopp may opt for alternative attacking options, such as Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, who previously started together in a triumphant 5-1 win against West Ham.
Important fixtures ahead
Looking ahead, Liverpool faces a challenging fixture against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day, making it imperative for Klopp to prioritize the overall fitness of his squad.
With this in mind, resting Diaz against Burnley could be a strategic move, ensuring the player is in optimal condition for the upcoming crucial fixtures.
The decision to include or rest Diaz will ultimately rest on Klopp’s tactical considerations and the player’s fitness.
Regardless, the Liverpool faithful will be eager to see their team regain momentum in the Premier League after recent setbacks.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.