‘Can’t wait’ - Diogo Jota injury update as Liverpool plan for Luis Diaz return is revealed

Pep Lijnders hopes that Luis Diaz can step up his Liverpool injury return during the break for the World Cup.

Diaz has been sidelined since October when suffering a knee injury in the 3-2 loss at Arsenal.

The Reds have missed the Colombia international, who has recorded 10 goals and six assists since arriving from Porto in the January transfer window.

Liverpool are set to travel to Dubai next month for warm-weather training. They'll also play friendlies against Lyton (Sunday 11 December) and AC Milan (Friday 18 December) in the Dubai Super Cup.

Speaking to Liverpool's club website, Lijnders said: “Luis definitely, 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."

Diogo Jota has also been sidelined since last month. He sustained a calf injury in the closing stages of the 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

The forward is set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery. 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.”