Pundit makes ‘big’ Luis Diaz claim ahead of Liverpool clash v Real Madrid
Alan Hutton has urged Liverpool to be careful with Luis Diaz ahead of Wednesday’s Real Madrid showdown as he returns from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said the Reds have “bigger” problems than Diaz’s absence.
According to the Liverpool Echo (14 March), Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that the 26-year-old will be back in full training next week.
The Colombia international has made just eight Premier League appearances for the Reds this season and last featured back in October where he was subbed off with injury just before half time.
The winger had to undergo surgery back in December after suffering a major setback in his efforts to return from injury.
Klopp’s side have struggled for results this season, their latest defeat came at the hands of relegation threatened Bournemouth on Saturday (11 March).
When asked if the return of Diaz will be the answer to Liverpool’s problems, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think there is a bigger problem.
“It is not just that one position that is going to sort all their problems out. Midfield is talked about a lot, the defence is talked about a lot. It is something that is going to have to be fixed in the summer.
“But he definitely makes them a better team. The one thing they will have to do is be patient with him.
“He has been out for a long period of time, they can’t just throw him in and expect him to hit the heights that he was at before his injury. He is going to have to build up to that.
“Going from a 7-0 win against Man United to getting beat, [Mohamed] Salah missing the penalty, it is that inconsistency that is the problem.“
In other news, according to sources, Liverpool in pole position to sign Chelsea star as talks collapse.