Luis Diaz is set to step up his rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury last month, with Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirming the winger will start running again on Thursday.
The Colombian was forced off in the first half of the Reds' 3-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the start of October, with the setback ruling him out of competitive action until 2023 as a result. But speaking ahead of Liverpool's League Cup clash with Derby County, Lijnders confirmed Diaz is making good progress while also offering an update on Diogo Jota.
“The longer injuries, Luis Diaz is running for the first time on Thursday," he said. That’s good news because we all know how important he was last year and in the second half of the season. Jota will take longer.”
READ MORE: China £350m investment, Dubai negotiations and six failed Liverpool takeover bids
READ MORE: The names that could be interested if FSG decide to sell Liverpool
Meanwhile, Lijnders also confirmed James Milner will be fit to face Southampton after suffering with a concussion but Derby County comes too soon for the Liverpool vice-captain, and admitted that both Naby Keita and Joel Matip are unlikely to return in time for Liverpool's final game before the World Cup against the Saints on Saturday.
“Naby will be difficult, he’s still training individually. Let’s see for Southampton," he said. “Millie will definitely be ready for Southampton but this game [against Derby] comes too early for tomorrow.
“Then we have of course Joel, who is getting closer to team training but will not make Southampton probably."
READ NEXT
Liverpool sale could see history repeat itself as FSG find out what past owner already knew
Why FSG are open to selling Liverpool - Chelsea sale, Man City accounts, £3.3bn profits
Jurgen Klopp faces Ben Doak decision as Liverpool consider radical overhaul
Jurgen Klopp will have loved what Tottenham fans did just before Liverpool win confirmed
