Pundit drops ‘desperate’ Liverpool claim after Luis Diaz latest
Alan Hutton has urged Liverpool to be careful with Luis Diaz no matter how “desperate” they are for his return.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Diaz has been a “big plus point” for the Reds this season but insisted he needs to be eased back into the fold.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined with a knee injury since October and suffered a major setback to his progress during the World Cup break.
But, Diaz has been returning to training in recent weeks and although not in the squad for the 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Tuesday (4 April), could be fit enough for Leeds United on 17 April.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled in recent games and have won just two of their last five matches.
The Reds have scored just one league goal since their 7-0 hammering of Man United last month.
When asked if Liverpool can afford to manager Diaz’s return, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think they will still have to ease him back in no matter how desperate they are to get him back in the starting lineup.
“I think it would be silly. There is no team, especially at that level, that are going to take that risk with a player that means so much to them.
“He has been a big plus point for them this season. It has been disappointing to lose him but to throw him back in would just be silly. They know that, Jurgen Klopp is not the type of guy to do that.
“He has got other options as well so he will take his time, monitor his minutes and get him back in to full speed when he is ready.“
In other news, Liverpool make move to sign Southampton star as clause revealed.