Luis Diaz will decide for himself whether he can play for Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League match at Luton Town following the kidnapping of his parents, manager Juergen Klopp has said. The Colombian forward was not part of the squad for the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and he withdrew from training in the build-up to the game due to his mother and father’s capture in their home country. His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was released within hours, and rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN) said on Thursday that his father would also be released ‘as soon as possible.’
Diaz, who plays left-back for the Reds and is a vital member of the Colombian national team, is incredibly popular in his homeland, and hundreds accompanied his mother on a march to demand his father’s release. The ELN has previously failed to reach a peace deal with the Colombian government, but Klopp has said that he hopes there will be a resolution soon.
Klopp has revealed that Diaz has returned to training this week, and he will decide if he is ready to play at Luton on Sunday, adding: “If he feels good, he will be with us. I understand it is an ongoing situation.”
Asked if he had spoken to the ELN about Diaz’s situation, Klopp replied: “Yes, of course, I have, and I will continue to do that. The players are all here, and they know the situation; it’s a difficult thing for everyone. But we are doing our best to find a solution for the whole family.
There are no fresh injury worries for Klopp ahead of the trip to Kenilworth Road, and it means that he will have a good idea of his starting lineup before the weekend. He will also be able to make changes without the risk of jeopardizing the momentum that his side has built up this season.
Klopp will want his team to continue the form that they showed in their 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Bournemouth on Wednesday. The Reds have not lost a single fixture this season, and they are three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a top-four finish.
Click here for more Liverpool news. Subscribe to the LFC YouTube channel for more exclusive videos and interviews. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke to the media before their Premier League game against Luton Town. The boss discussed Luis Diaz’s availability, plus Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago’s performances so far this season. Watch the full video below.
