Klopp's punch in the face ahead of more World Cup semifinals

Luis Diaz had to end his pre-season training camp in Dubai prematurely with Liverpool and the coaching staff after suffering a relapse of a knee injury. The same injury that kept him sidelined since October and led him to miss more than 10 Premier League games and the Champions League group stage. Liverpool played their first friendly before the resumption of the competition, which suffered a break for the development of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Jurgen Klopp's side faced Olympique Lyon at the Al-Maktoum stadium, where they won 3-1 in the 90 minutes and then lost 5-3 in the penalty shootout, which was included by the organisers of the friendly tournament. After the match, the German coach spoke to the media, where he referred to the Colombian striker and his new injury, which would have him in the hands of the medical department at least until March 2023, "It's a big disappointment for all of us. It was not a situation. I heard something. We had a look the next day. It was a real slap in the face."

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As he left the field, the teen shook his head, prompting questions about his physical condition

The news broke the day after he began training in the Middle Eastern country. The relapse came just after the first training unit. However, Klopp, who would not confirm the severity or recovery time, said it was not a product of training, implying it was due to a poor recovery:

"He's not in the best possible place (mentally), that's clear. It was a big disappointment for all of us and for him as well. Honestly, it was nothing in training." Jürgen Klopp had hoped to have him available for the resumption of official competitions. Everything pointed to Diaz getting minutes against Manchester City in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup or on Boxing Day against Aston Villa. However, this situation and the injury changes the outlook for the German coach, who will have to modify his style of play and adapt it to the winger's absence.

Klopp hit by Diaz injury

"It emerged in Colombia on Friday that Diaz will have to undergo surgery, which would leave the former Porto player sidelined until March. The club are understood to be still awaiting the official outcome of their checks, but are likely to be preparing for a second major casualty of their winger's campaign," the media outlet said.