Klopp's worst news in pre-season in Dubai, Bellingham's decision

"It's a good punch in the face. This is how Jürgen Klopp defined the relapse of his striker, Luis Díaz, who could be out for three more months after suffering a new injury to his right knee. A setback that has forced him to leave the Reds' training camp in Abu Dhabi and return to Liverpool for tests.

So, with just over two months to go before they face Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 (21 February 2022), Liverpool could be without one of their first-choice strikers. And while there are fears that the lateral collateral ligament in Diaz's knee is affected, he will first have to confirm his prognosis with further medical tests.

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"He's not in the best moment (mentally), that's clear. And he felt something, he didn't feel it much the next day, but we wanted to be very cautious. So we said, 'come on, let's have a look' and then the news came, which was a good punch in the face, but that's it," the German coach explained at the press conference following their 3-1 defeat to Olympique Lyon.

Diaz had been out since October with a knock to his knee ligaments in a difficult period for Liverpool. Klopp's side have struggled to get off the mark in the early part of the Premier League season and are already 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. A bad moment that joins other casualties in attack as Diego Jota, injured hamstring and could return in February.

<strong>Diaz will be out until March</strong>

Diaz underwent a successful operation and it was his wife who sent him a message of encouragement and shared pictures of the player in hospital. Sometimes the difficulties that we encounter in our lives, directly prepare us to place ourselves on the road. Now patience and strength are fundamental, but above all the love of the family. We are all here for you as always and we will see you come back stronger. We love you," wrote Lucho's wife.