The reality of Luis Diaz’s injury could mean another Liverpool wait for the forward.
The last time Tottenham Hotspur traveled up the M6 to Anfield, Luis Diaz’s opportunities at Liverpool appeared limitless.
Almost a year ago, Diaz had established himself as one of the best signings of the season, an unusual instance of a player joining the Premier League in the middle of the season and having an almost immediate devastating impact.
Diaz had already started the League Cup final victory over Chelsea less than two months after joining Liverpool, and was looking forward to an FA Cup match against the same opponents the following weekend, having just days earlier come off the bench at halftime to swing the Champions League semi-final second leg in the Reds’ favor and set up a showdown with Real Madrid.
There was also a Premier League title race, with Diaz’s subsequent deflected goal earning Liverpool a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Tottenham that kept the pressure on Manchester City, a battle that ultimately went down to the final minutes of the season before the title remained at the Etihad.
Obviously, Tottenham’s interest in Diaz prompted Liverpool to bring forward a potential summer transfer for the player by six months to prevent him from joining a close rival. The two clubs have engaged in fierce competition in recent years.
Neither, however, would ideally want to be battling for a probable Europa League spot, as will be the case on Sunday afternoon when they meet for the latest time. Although qualification for the Champions League is not impossible, it appears dubious.
Diaz’s absence for a significant portion of this season has contributed to Liverpool’s tenuous status as a title contender. Prior to suffering a knee injury at Arsenal in October, which was aggravated two months later, and ultimately causing him to miss 31 games, he was a rare bright spot in a sluggish start to the season with four goals and three assists.
Diaz is now healthy and appeared reasonably alert during his 31 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United. After two nine-minute appearances against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, this was a major improvement.
However, the Colombian’s playing time for the remainder of the season could be compromised by Liverpool, who have won 10 of their last 12 games and now have a strong conclusion to the season and Europe in mind. Diaz may be limited to cameo duties off the bench due to the need for results and understandable caution following such a serious injury.
The reality of Luis Diaz’s injury could mean another Liverpool wait for the forward.