Luis Diaz is not expected to be involved for Liverpool when they travel to Bournemouth in Saturday’s early kick in what is a disappointing blow for Jurgen Klopp’s side, that’s according to Football Insider.
Recent reports have suggested that the Colombian is ready for a return to action against the Cherries and then Real Madrid next week but those hopes have now been quashed with the trip to Manchester City on April 1 now rumoured to be a more appropriate return date for the former Porto man.
Our No. 23 has been out of action since injuring his knee during the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal back in October and although he was on his way back to full fitness towards the end of last year, he suffered a setback during the Reds’ winter training camp in Dubai before Christmas and has remained sidelined since then.
The 26-year-old revealed recently that he was hopeful of featuring for Liverpool at the Bernabeu but the club’s medical department is insisting that no risks should be taken.
Following our trip to the Spanish capital where we’re looking to recover from the 5-2 defeat in the first leg, our clash with Fulham at Anfield has been postponed due to the London club’s involvement in the FA Cup.
It then means that we begin April with theclash against Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.
We can’t wait to see Diaz back in action but fully understand that he should be gradually eased back into the side and only when he’s 100% ready.
Michail Antonio claims some Liverpool fans will think they have a ‘snake’ in the squad now
Some Liverpool fans will regard Roberto Firmino as a ‘snake’ after his decision to leave the club on a free transfer.
That’s the view of West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. Speaking to the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio gave his take on the news that Firmino is set to depart Liverpool at the end of the season.
“There is still going to be fans who are like ‘he’s a snake, he should stay’. Even though he hasn’t played as much this season, some fans who really like him, will be saying he’s a snake for leaving and he should be a squad player,” said the 32-year-old.
“And there will be other fans saying he’s rubbish, we should have got rid of him years ago. Then there will be people in the middle saying go flourish and enjoy your career.
“You’re always going to get three different ways that people are going to go.”
Antonio misses the mark
Generally speaking, Antonio is probably right. Nothing splits opinion in football quite like transfers. But in the case of Firmino and Liverpool, we think he’s missed the point a little.
In our experience, there isn’t a fan on the planet who isn’t wishing Bobby well. There are some, us included, who could see plenty of value in the Brazilian staying on for a year or two. But there’s certainly no ill feeling that Firmino has decided otherwise.
Instead, there’s a general acceptance that the timing is probably right for everyone. If fans are struggling to say goodbye to Bobby, it’s because of what the £29m man has given the club. If there are any supporters out there who consider him a ‘snake,’ then they really aren’t Liverpool supporters.
What lies in store for Firmino isn’t yet clear. Despite plenty of rumours that he’s joining this club or that club, the 31-year-old is reportedly yet to even speak to other potential suitors.
That’s how focused he is on ending things in the right way at Anfield. In an age where players often do anything possible to leave a team, the way Bobby has gone about things certainly isn’t taken for granted.
It was a similar story last year with the exit of Sadio Mane. Although Mane could have handled certain aspects a little more gracefully, the respect he has for Liverpool and its fans was always clear. As another legend leaves Anfield, supporters have every right to be upset. But that’s simply because we’re losing a universally popular player. The only thing ‘snake’ like about Bobby Firmino is the way he slinks through defences. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Newcastle player issues public apology after his recent comments about Liverpool
Newcastle United’s English striker Callum Wilson shoots the ball but Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker (R) stops the ball during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on February 18, 2023.
Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson has admitted that he was wrong to claim that Liverpool aren’t back in the top-four race.
Wilson recently poured scorn on the idea that the Reds are looking back to their old selves. As his team rival Liverpool for a Champions League spot, he dismissed praise of Jurgen Klopp’s side as being a little premature.
“You’re asking me are Liverpool back? What do you want me to say? They have won two games after the last couple of weeks and like I’m saying we technically let them win, it was a poor performance from our point of view,” the England man said at the end of February.
Well, wouldn’t you know it. After the Reds destruction of Manchester United on Sunday, Wilson has taken to his Footballer’s Football Podcast to apologise for his hasty comments.
“I apologise for saying that Liverpool aren’t back. They’re back with a bang!” admitted the out of form 30-year-old. “Anything I say at the minute the universe shows the opposite.” You better believe it, buddy.
Liverpool not getting carried away
Wilson’s original comments sounded a little bitter at the time. Having just been beaten by the Reds for the second time this season, you can perhaps forgive his churlishness.
But having said that, there was a grain of truth in it then. Liverpool had just beaten Newcastle to record their second 2-0 Premier League win in a row. With big defeats against Wolves and Brighton still fresh in the memory though, talk of a fightback couldn’t be verified.
Two weeks later, and it very much can be. Although Liverpool have to be careful not to get carried away, they’ve now kept five clean sheets in a row and six in the last seven.
Having just obliterated United by an unfathomably big scoreline, the Reds have shown that they’re no longer the soft touch they’ve so often been this season.
For Wilson, that’s obviously bad news. Newcastle’s own form has been patchy of late but they’re still right in the top four hunt. Just a point behind Liverpool and with a game in hand, they shouldn’t be dismissed.
If they’re to get back on track they need Wilson to start finding the net, though. One goal in 12 games since the World Cup isn’t good enough from the £20m man. If he keeps up that kind of form, Liverpool won’t have to worry too much about the Toon.