Diaz “Available” for Toulouse Clash
Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on Luis Diaz, stating that the winger is “available” to play in the upcoming Europa League match against Toulouse.
Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, was kidnapped on October 28 in Barrancas, Colombia, along with his mother Cilenis Marulanda. While his mother was quickly rescued, his father remains in captivity.
Having sat out the previous two fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, Diaz made his return to the pitch against Luton, coming on as a substitute and scoring to equalise in the game. After the goal, he lifted his shirt to reveal a message reading “Libertad para papa” (Freedom for Dad).
Speaking ahead of the Toulouse match, Klopp confirmed the forward was in contention to start.
“He wants to be with us; he travelled; he is here; he is available,” said Klopp.
“He decided last week because he cannot go to Colombia – that will not be the case at the moment – so he’s here. When he’s in training, it’s a safe place. When he’s around the matches, it’s a safe place with the team, everything is OK.”
Regarding the situation with the player’s father, Klopp added that there was “no real news, always positive signs somehow but not real news.”
The National Liberation Army of Colombia (ELN) is reportedly still holding Diaz Sr. and has requested ‘security guarantees’ for his release, despite previously claiming ignorance of the kidnapping.
