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Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has suffered a setback during his recovery from a knee injury and will miss the Reds’ winter training camp in Dubai. The Colombian has not suited up for Liverpool since October 9 and was set to make his comeback in the upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Manchester City.


But this comeback may be unlikely as he may not feature in any of the games during the festive period. Diaz was given a special training programme before being eased into full training, but he recently complained about discomfort as the same knee issue resurfaced.


Liverpool was sure that Diaz would not require surgery when his injury was first diagnosed two months ago as this period of rest would be sufficient. The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp also confirmed the setback as he talked about how Diaz will be needing further assessment. 


While talking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said, “It’s all good [fitness-wise] with the boys who are here. What’s not good is we have to see with Lucho. He felt something and we need to have further assessment there, but apart from that they all look really, really good.”


Diaz's delayed return to Merseyside will add further worry to Liverpool’s intense schedule once the English and European season resumes. The 25-year-old has been one of the best players for the Reds since his move from Porto in January 2022 and was a standout performer this season before being injured.


Liverpool could also be without Diogo Jota for a while longer as the Portuguese forward is also rehabilitating from a thigh injury which ruled him out of the World Cup. Midfielder Naby Keita has returned to the squad. The Reds will also see the return of Darwin Nunez after Uruguay’s early exit from the World Cup. This will allow the Merseyside team to fully integrate Nunez back into the team before the Premier League restarts on Boxing Day.