“Have to deliver”- Liverpool star opens up on squad’s response to star attacker’s injury

Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas talks about dressing room response to Luis Diaz injury setback

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz‘s initial lay-off after his knee injury in October against Arsenal came to a timely end as the Reds arrived in Dubai for their mid-season training camp. However, fate had something else planned for the 25-year-old.

The player flew back to Merseyside as confirmed on Friday afternoon due to a recurrence of the same injury and now stands out of action until sometime in March. The Colombian international was among the best Liverpool players in the early part of the season, and his current injury situation will leave him feeling frustrated.

In 12 appearances across all competitions before his injury, he accumulated four goals and three assists, and as already mentioned, he was among the best players for Jurgen Klopp alongside Harvey Elliott and Alisson in the initial few weeks of the season.

The Reds’ left-back Kostas Tsimikas detailed on how the Reds will miss their talisman winger, who joined the club not even a year ago in January 2022. Here is what he told Football Daily (h/t Liverpool Echo) about Diaz’s injury situation disrupting the dressing room:

“Very, very sad about the news,”

“It’s not only his football skills, he always brings good vibes to the team, even if he doesn’t speak English! I’m feeling very, very bad for him because he’s a very good player and when he plays he helps the team.”

“It’s a big loss for us but, as I said, all the boys are ready to help the team so whoever is ready, they have to play and they have to deliver as Luis did before.”

Following the former Porto winger’s injury, the Reds have only three recognised front-line attackers. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino along with Darwin Nunez have to keep the ship sailing until the return of both Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Diaz void at Liverpool

However, it has been claimed that the Reds are looking at Christian Pulisic as a short-term replacement to fill the void the pair of injured players have left behind at the club. One could only hope that the players are back to optimal fitness levels as soon as possible.

After a few weeks of midfield injuries, the front line seems to be now attacked by the “injury virus” spreading at the club since 2020. It is astonishing the depth we possess at Liverpool for a top European side.

Hopefully, his recovery post-surgery is lightning-quick, and we can see Lucho back on the pitch. As far as Jota is concerned, he could be back in action sometime in February as per James Pearce of The Athletic.

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The Reds’ next competitive fixture is against Manchester City on the 22nd of December, and will quickly bounce back to play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day as well. The Reds’ are not in a great position when it comes to the league standings, and hopefully, the turn of the year can change that.