Liverpool has flown Luis Diaz’s family to Merseyside so they can spend the Christmas period together. The decision comes just days after Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of the star winger, was released by Colombian kidnappers. Diaz’s dad was held hostage for 12 long days before he was eventually freed. The player’s mother was also held captive as well, but was previously rescued after a few hours.



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> star was recently reunited with his parents during the current international break. Diaz traveled back to Colombia earlier this week to feature in two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">2026 World Cup qualifiers</a> for his native country. He was named in the starting lineup to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> on Thursday and managed to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/colombia-vs-brazil-live-updates-how-to-stream-and-team-news-20231116-WST-470553.html">score both goals</a> for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/colombia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Colombia</a>.



La Tricolor won the massive match thanks to the strikes by Diaz. The victory puts Colombia up to third in the CONMEBOL qualifying table, only behind <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/uruguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Uruguay</a>. The top six teams in the final standings will automatically qualify for the tournament in the United States.



Liverpool paid for a private flight from Colombia to England for Diaz’s parents and extended family on Friday. The soccer star will, however, remain in South America for the time being. Colombia has one more match scheduled before the international break ends. Diaz and company is set to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/paraguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Paraguay</a> in another World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, November 21st. The winger will then travel back to Liverpool to reunite with his family and club teammates.



<h2>Diaz has been smash hit for Liverpool</h2>



The Colombian star arrived on Merseyside from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/fc-porto-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Porto</a> in a deal worth around $50 million in January of 2022. He was essentially brought in to eventually replace the outgoing Sadio Mane. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/senegal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Senegal</a> international departed for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> in the following summer.



Although Diaz struggled with various setbacks, particular a significant knee injury, he has been an outstanding signing for the Reds. Nevertheless, the elder Diaz reportedly revealed that Liverpool is not his son’s “dream” club. Before making the trip to England, Diaz’s dad claimed that Luis is a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> fan.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231118_WST_471322_imago1034357190h-1200x800.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-471351" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/imago1034357190h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/imago1034357190h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/imago1034357190h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/imago1034357190h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/imago1034357190h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Luis Diaz has been in brilliant form for his country of late.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Winger’s father says there would be “no problem” if son transferred to Barca</h2>



“The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment. It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there,” Luis Manuel Diaz supposedly <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12764849/Luis-Diaz-Barcelona-dream-Liverpool-release-kidnappers.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> Colombian TV channel Win Sports.



“So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him. Luis is a player who finds it easy to win over because of the way he is. Because of his humility, his work, his dedication, he is a very disciplined player, thank God.”



“There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”



Liverpool will likely brush off the comments. After all, manager Jurgen Klopp is thrilled to have Diaz in his team and the winger is currently under contract until 2027. Diaz has also regularly featured in Klopp’s starting lineup since arriving nearly two years ago. The Colombian started eight of nine <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> matches during the current campaign before his parents were kidnapped.



Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images : IMAGO / Photosport

Liverpool fly Luis Diaz's family to England for Christmas

Liverpool paid for Luis Diaz's family to fly from Colombia to Merseyside and they will spend Christmas together

The Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN), a guerrilla organization, is still holding Luid DIaz’s father. Authorities prevented Diaz from traveling back to Colombia. Yet, the Colombian national team is going to call up Luis Diaz for November’s World Cup qualifiers.



The ELN abducted Luis Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel, over a week and a half ago. The group also took his mother, Cilenis Marulanda. Marulanda earned <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-parents-kidnapped-mother-rescued-father-still-missing-20231029-WST-465780.html">release on the same day</a>. Extensive efforts have been ongoing to secure the safe return of Luis Manuel.



The Liverpool player made an impassioned appeal to his father’s kidnappers just last weekend. He took off his jersey to show a tee that said, “Freedom for Dad,” in Spanish.



Fortunately, the English FA decided not to sanction the 26-year-old because of the nature of the message he sent after scoring the game-tying goal in the 92nd minute against Luton on Sunday.



<h2>Will Luis Diaz play against Brazil and Paraguay?</h2>



Despite all the unfortunate drama, <a href="https://twitter.com/diegonoticia/status/1721920477730398439?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colombian writer Diego Rueda</a> reports that Diaz would be included in Nestor Lorenzo’s team for the next international matches. The two contests are <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup Qualifiers</a> matches.



The first of them is scheduled to take place on Nov. 17 against Brazil at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla, Colombia. A trip to Paraguay is four days later.



With just four games played, the Tricolour are presently ranked fifth in their World Cup 2026 qualification group. Following three consecutive draws—against Ecuador, Uruguay, and Chile—they will be searching for their second Group Stage victory.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231108_WST_468230_Luis-Diaz-goal-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-468283" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-goal-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-goal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-goal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-goal.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Luis Diaz showed his talent with the tying goal against Luton Town in the fifth minute of stoppage time.</figcaption></figure>



With a perfect record so far, reigning World Cup champion Argentina leads CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.



<h2>Colombians demand Romario-esque deed</h2>



Because of the ongoing abduction situation, it was previously established that the 26-year-old player <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-to-remain-in-england-as-search-for-father-continues-20231031-WST-466227.html">could not return to his own country</a>. To secure Diaz Sr.’s release, several Colombians, notably their ambassador to the UK, Roy Barreras, have urged for a boycott of the international matches.



Luis Diaz is a national hero in Colombia. Most in the South American country know him as ‘Lucho’. The campaign to secure his father’s release was inspired by the success of Brazilian star <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brazils-proposed-appointment-of-ancelotti-met-with-criticism-20231102-WST-466841.html">Romario</a>. He used a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> boycott to expedite the release of his father in 1994.



Back then, Romario called a press conference to announce that he would not travel to the World Cup that year. Two days later, the captors released his father. Meanwhile, Colombian news site <a href="https://www.noticiasrcn.com/colombia/inicio-el-proceso-de-liberacion-del-padre-de-luis-diaz-457896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RCN</a> reported a major step forward in discussions.



According to reports, the guerrilla group holding Luis Manuel authorized the United Nations and the Catholic church to negotiate for his release. The ELN added that this will take place in La Guajira. This is close to the border between Colombia and Venezuela, later on Wednesday.



The ELN made contact with groups such as the UN and the church on Wednesday. It established the conditions for Luis Manuel’s release. They say it <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/terrorist-group-provide-update-on-situation-of-luis-diazs-father-20231103-WST-467016.html">was an accident</a>. Still, it wants the Colombian military out of the picture before it will release him.



ELN pledged to release the victim late last week. Yet, nothing has changed in Luis Manuel’s circumstances. This is a major step. Captors abducted the Liverpool player’s dad 12 days ago.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Luis Diaz father's kidnapping: Will winger feature for Colombia?

The intrigue around Luis Diaz featuring for Colombia in World Cup Qualifiers matches in November continues.

Despite a reward offering, Luis Diaz’s father is still missing since both of his parents were abducted last Saturday. They were attacked in their neighborhood in the Caribbean town of Barrancas, Colombia.



The kidnapping of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> player Diaz’s parents on Saturday afternoon sparked a police pursuit. At the time, authorities <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-parents-kidnapped-mother-rescued-father-still-missing-20231029-WST-465780.html">safely freed</a> Diaz’s mother.



The Colombian international did not return to his homeland as the military looks for his missing father. Authorities deemed it would be a security risk for Diaz to return to his home country. For his own protection, he will <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-to-remain-in-england-as-search-for-father-continues-20231031-WST-466227.html">remain in the United Kingdom</a>.



But the Colombian government has not been able to track down his dad. The heads of police updated Diaz throughout the process.



Liverpool did not include the player in the matchday roster for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> game against Nottingham Forest. In the wake of Diogo Jota’s first goal, the Reds paid homage to Diaz. Jota raised DIaz’s shirt as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory at Anfield.



<h2>Who is responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Diaz’s father?</h2>



On Thursday, the government said it had learned that the ELN was behind the abduction of Diaz’s parents over the weekend. The National Liberation Army, or Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) in Spanish, is a rebel group. The United States and the European Union designate the group as a terrorist organization.



Before fleeing with Diaz’s father, the kidnappers abandoned Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, in a vehicle as the police closed in, the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12705985/Liverpool-star-Luis-Diazs-father-released-hours.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> claims. The organization would likely free him within the next few hours, according to a report from the Colombian daily <a href="https://www.semana.com/politica/articulo/atencion-eln-reconoce-secuestro-de-luis-manuel-diaz-y-anuncia-su-liberacion-para-las-proximas-horas/202323/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semana</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231103_WST_467016_Luis-Diaz-support-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-467106" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-support-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-support-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-support-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Luis-Diaz-support.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Luis Diaz has not been in the Liverpool squad for two games, but fans continue to show the Colombian support.</figcaption></figure>



Negotiator Otty Patino, who leads the Colombian government’s peace delegation, said on Thursday that the ELN was responsible for Diaz’s father’s abduction and demanded his release. A statement stated, “We demand the immediate release of Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz and remind the ELN that it is their responsibility to guarantee his life and integrity.”



In response, ELN spokesperson Juan Carlos Cuellar informed a community gathering, in video footage supplied by the ELN with <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-says-eln-rebels-kidnapped-liverpool-soccer-star-diazs-father-2023-11-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>, that they would free Diaz’s father “as soon as possible.” 



Semana further notes that the ELN peace delegation members were ignorant of the militants’ role in the abduction until only hours before their news conference. Colombians are skeptical of the allegations that he may earn freedom. However, the police chief in charge of the operation has not provided an update.



<h2>Will Luis Diaz play this weekend?</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fa-cup-3rd-round-and-4th-round-replays-may-be-scrapped-20231020-WST-463619.html">Jurgen Klopp</a> has revealed that Luis Diaz has returned to training in recent days. However, the winger’s participation in Saturday’s game against Luton would be entirely up to him.



The German manager informed the media that his player had been participating in training this week. 



“He was in training two days ago, he had a session yesterday and will be part of the team. We must wait. If he feels right, he will be here and train with us.



“The session he had with us, because then we were not here, you could see that when he’s with the boys, it’s fine, it’s OK. But you could see as well that he didn’t sleep a lot. So, we just have to see how he is, and we go from there.



“The news from Colombia, I didn’t get it personally, I always get it forwarded. But everything that gives us a little bit of hope is good. So, we are waiting actually for the really good news.



“But that’s it pretty much, I cannot really say what we will do because we just wait for where we can pick up the boy from and go from there. It’s all about him, that he makes himself available or not, and I will not force anything.”



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Terrorist group provide update on situation of Luis Diaz's father

An update has been provided by Colombian rebels on Luis Diaz's father who was abducted over the weekend close to the Venezuelan border.

Liverpool star Luis Diaz will remain in England as Colombian local police and military officials search for his father. Both of the player’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-parents-kidnapped-mother-rescued-father-still-missing-20231029-WST-465780.html">parents were kidnapped</a> in the South American nation at the weekend. Cilenis Marulanda, the winger’s mother, has since been released by the bandits. Nevertheless, the search for Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel, continues.



<a href="https://www.semana.com/deportes/articulo/luis-diaz-toma-dolorosa-decision-tras-el-secuestro-de-su-padre-estas-son-las-razones/202351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semana</a> now reports that Luis Diaz is set to remain in England while the search for his father occurs. According to the report, Diaz initially wanted to return to his native nation to aid the search. Relatives were, however, able to talk the star winger out of the move. There are fears that attackers could target the 26-year-old Red if he shows up in Colombia.



More than 120 Colombian armed forces and police officers are currently searching for Diaz’s dad. Officials revealed in the aforementioned report that they are conducting the search on land and in the air. This includes multiple motorized convoys, helicopters, and even a plane equipped with specialized radar.



<h2>Officials fear Diaz’s father may be in Venezuela</h2>



Colombia deployed military forces along the Venezuelan border. This is an effort to prevent kidnappers from taking Diaz’s father into a foreign country. Officials are concerned that the search would be significantly more difficult if the player’s father enters Venezuela. They also fear attackers already took him across the border.



“About that [being in Venezuela], I cannot give any information. I want to be very cautious,” Colombian general William Salamanca recently <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12692157/Liverpool-star-Luis-Diaz-not-travel-Colombia-security-issues-factor-search-kidnapped-father-continues-police-army-scouring-jungle.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “I flew over the area, and they would have to cross the Perija mountain range, but I think that a human being cannot do it in that area.”



“We were trying to leave some commandos there and we couldn’t because of the denseness of the jungle. Also, since last night, there has been a blockade that the army made in the lower part of the mountain range, which would be the exit to Venezuela.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231031_WST_466227_Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-466285" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Diogo Jota and other Liverpool players raised Diaz’s kit while the forward missed the Nottingham Forest game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Luis Diaz in England, but not playing during search for father</h2>



Diaz was going to feature in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool’s</a> starting lineup for a matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nottingham-forest-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Nottingham Forest</a> on Sunday. However, the horrific recent events forced manager Jurgen Klopp to leave his star winger out of the squad. The Reds ended up winning the match 3-0 as Diaz’s replacement, Diogo Jota, scored the opening goal of the game. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/portugal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Portugal</a> international displayed a Diaz jersey after netting the goal.



After the match, Klopp talked about the terrible situation and its effect on his players. “We played in the most difficult circumstance I’ve ever had,” Klopp told <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12995988/jurgen-klopp-delivers-emotional-luis-diaz-tribute-as-forward-misses-liverpool-win-following-parents-kidnapping" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sports</a>. “It was a really difficult day, which ended with a good result.”



“The best thing we could do for our brother was that we win the game and distract him a little bit maybe, all the rest was super special in the most negative understanding. After more than 1,000 games you would think you have experienced everything, but no.”



Liverpool faces <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bournemouth-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Bournemouth</a> on Wednesday, Nov. 1 in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/league-cup-tv-schedule/">Carabao Cup</a> fixture. Diaz is unlikely to feature in the upcoming game as well. The winger has three goals and an assist in 11 total appearances so far this season.



PHOTOS: IMAGO / PA Images

Luis Diaz to remain in England as search for father continues

Liverpool's Luis Diaz will stay in England while Colombian officials search for his father. The winger would be a security risk.

Tragic and deeply concerning news has emerged from Colombian media over the weekend.



The parents of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-injury-sidelines-forward-through-world-cup-20221010-WST-403697.html">Luis Diaz</a> were reportedly kidnapped in Colombia when they were intercepted by gunmen on motorcycles. 



The pair were abducted as they were driving towards their residence, with the gunmen stopping them and then taking them away in their vehicle, according to authorities.



While Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued, his father remains missing, as confirmed by Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro. “In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/NoticiasCaracol/status/1718654152971112456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said on social media</a>.



General William Salamanca, the head of the nation’s police force, announced that he was using every agent to locate Diaz’s father. The police have also announced that they are offering a substantial reward for any information that could lead to the captors and the safe release of Luis Manuel Diaz.



In the words of Police General <a href="https://twitter.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1718641346439758303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William Rene Salamanca</a>, “On the instructions of the Minister of Defense, a reward of up to 200 million pesos will be given to anyone who gives us information that allows us to find the whereabouts of Mr. Luis Diaz.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="441" height="394" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231029_WST_465780_image-3.webp&amp;width=441&amp;height=394" alt="" class="wp-image-465817" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/image-3.png 441w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/image-3-300x268.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px"></figure><figcaption>Police General announces the reward for information regarding the whereabouts of Luis Diaz’s father</figcaption></figure>



There are concerns that the kidnappers may be attempting to transport him out of the country and into Venezuela, <a href="https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/investigacion/luis-diaz-ofrecen-recompensa-de-hasta-200-millones-de-pesos-por-su-papa-820940" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Tiempo</a> have suggested. In addition, authorities have discovered the motorcycle on which the winger’s father was taken away.



<h2>What did Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp say?</h2>



Luis Diaz would have been a likely starter for Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. However, due to the distressing situation involving his father, was understandably omitted from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-rogue-and-rapid-downturn-of-liverpool-this-season-20230314-WST-423272.html">Jurgen Klopp</a>‘s matchday squad when it was announced.



The experienced German manager <a href="https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopp-press-conference-forest-win-diaz-support-and-mac-allister-performance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">provided an explanation</a> before the match, stating, “We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz. It’s a worrying situation for all of us, and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”



Meanwhile, a <a href="https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-fc-statement-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement from the club</a> read, “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia. It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”



<h2>What did Diego Jota say after honoring Luis Diaz?</h2>



Diogo Jota was selected in the starting lineup in place of the Colombian and proceeded to score the opening goal of the match. Following the 3-0 home win, the Portuguese star shared his thoughts on the situation.



“Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you. He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.



“It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him”, he told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c1edjqww1njo.amp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Sport</a>.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo

Luis Diaz parents kidnapped: Mother rescued, father still missing

Luis Diaz's parents were reportedly abducted on Saturday in their native country Colombia when two guys on a motorbike stopped their car.

Luis Diaz parents kidnapped: Mother rescued, father still missing - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> forward <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/26/liverpools-diaz-from-indigenous-community-that-breeds-toughness/">Luis Díaz</a> picked up an injury in the Reds’ game at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> at the weekend. The Colombian tried to continue play, but withdrew from the contest before halftime.



After the game, Díaz <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/63205849?at_medium=RSS&amp;at_campaign=KARANGA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">left the stadium on crutches</a>. Plus, he had a brace surrounding his knee. It is likely the Luis Díaz injury occurred during a tackle from Arsenal’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/10/03/thomas-parteys-health-is-necessary-for-arsenal-and-ghana/">Thomas Partey</a>. The Ghanaian and the Colombian fell to the ground in tandem, with the 6’1 midfielder landing on Díaz’s left knee. There was no foul on the play, rather just a tangle of bodies.



The Luis Díaz injury was not the only one Liverpool suffered at the weekend. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold left the game at half time with what manager Jürgen Klopp called a twisted ankle. The German manager commented on the injuries to his side after the game. He said that both injuries appear to be serious. If the players could have continued, they likely would have stayed on, despite the deficit at half time.



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Liverpool have a laundry list of games before the extended ‘break’ for the World Cup. Fixtures lined up in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup make injuries a worst-case scenario for the Anfield side. In fact, Liverpool has 10 more games in the five weeks until the World Cup.



<h2>Luis Díaz injury runs through World Cup</h2>



Colombia failed to qualify for the World Cup. Therefore, it is perhaps a silver lining that Díaz is not missing a chance to represent Colombia on the biggest stage. Plus, he will have the opportunity to stay in Liverpool to recuperate, rather than rushing back from any injury.



Still, the injury comes at an inopportune time for Liverpool. The 10-game run of fixtures building up to the World Cup features some key ties for Liverpool’s season.



Not only are there three Champions League games, including away days to both Rangers and Ajax, but there are key Premier League games.



The Luis Díaz injury means he is unavailable for this upcoming weekend’s fixture against Manchester City. The Colombian also misses out on another trip to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

Luis Díaz picked up an injury against Arsenal that could sideline the Colombian for 10 games of Liverpool's season through the World Cup.

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