Jurgen Klopp has said there is no pressure on Luis Diaz to play this weekend after the winger returned to training following the kidnap of his parents.
The Colombian government has confirmed that Diaz’s father was kidnapped by left-wing rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN). Luis Manuel Díaz was seized at gunpoint along with his wife on Saturday. Mrs Diaz was found shaken but safe soon after.
Luis Manuel is still being held hostage but ELN member Juan Carlos Cuellar said in a video clip on Thursday that he would be released “as soon as possible.”
Diaz has been given time off this week and was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Klopp confirmed Diaz is now back in training but would not commit to naming the player in his squad for the trip to newly promoted Luton Town on Sunday.
“He was in training two days ago,” said the Liverpool manager. “Yesterday he did a session and today he will be with the team. If he feels right, he will be with us.
“You could see when he’s with the boys he’s fine, but you could also see he did not sleep a lot.”
Despite Diaz’s return to training, Klopp has said it is up to the player when he makes his return to the team.
“The news from Columbia gives us a little bit of hope. I cannot say what he will do. It’s up to him, if he makes himself available of not.”
Liverpool are firm favourites ahead of the trip to Luton with The Hatters managing just one win since being promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs. And Klopp is looking forward to his first visit to Kenilworth Road.
He said: “I heard about it [Kenilworth Road], I didn’t see it yet. It’s one ground I haven’t been to before. I’m looking forward to it. I heard the dressing room isn’t massive. All I need is a pitch, an opponent and us there. It’s exciting, I love the story.”
Klopp confirmed Spanish midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are edging closer to returning from injury.
He said: “With Stefan, it’s one of these things were Liverpool have a brilliant player. His quality, potential, everybody can see. What a player. But his body was not ready yet.
“We have to put the brake on and wait until it’s all fine. Then LFC has a wonderful player to use.”
Added Klopp: “Thiago is an ongoing thing. We cannot put any pressure there as well. We expect him to be back at the start of the New Year. Another four weeks, I would say that is realistic. I can’t wait to have him back.”
Liverpool will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four with a victory on Sunday. Kick off at Kenilworth Road is 4:30pm.
