'If everything goes to plan' - Liverpool drop major injury update on Reds star ahead of World Cup

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has given an update on the injury suffered by Luis Diaz last month.

The Colombian winger was forced off during the first half of Liverpool's 3-2 defeat at Arsenal on October 9, following a collision with Thomas Partey.

It was later confirmed that he suffered an injury to his left knee, which fortunately did not require surgery.

However, it was expected to rule him out for six to eight weeks, and he has missed every Liverpool game between the defeat at the Emirates and the World Cup break.

Diaz has been updating fans on Instagram as his rehabilitation continues, and reports at the end of October claimed that the Colombian could be back in action earlier than anticipated.

Now, with Liverpool's participation in next month's Dubai Super Cup confirmed, Lijnders has given an update on Diaz's status, as well as on the serious hamstring injury suffered by Diogo Jota during the Reds' 1-0 win over Man City on October 16.

Lijnders gives Diaz, Jota update

Speaking after the Reds' Dubai Super Cup fixtures were announced - they will play Lyon and AC Milan on December 11 and 16 respectively - Lijnders told the media which players he expected to travel with the squad.

Jota and Diaz are just two names currently on the club's unavailability list, with Naby Keita and Joel Matip also recovering from injury issues.

But when speaking about Diaz, the Reds assistant boss gave an optimistic response.

He said (in quotes carried by the Liverpool Echo): "Luis definitely [could play in Dubai], if everything goes to plan.

"We can't wait to see him back. He is this player who smiles when he has the ball at his feet."

On Jota, Lijnders added: "Diogo will join us to continue his rehab. The conditions to train and recover in Dubai are just very, very good.

"A change of scenery is always a welcome factor when recovering from a long-term injury."

Reds fans will hope that both players are fully fit as soon as possible to aid the Reds in what will be a packed post-World Cup schedule.

As well as the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp's side are also competing in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Champions League round of 16 in the upcoming months.