Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suffered a 'major blow' as Anfield favourite Luis Diaz is set for an extended spell on the sidelines, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The winger, who joined the Merseyside giants in a deal worth up to £50million from Porto earlier this year, will not be in action for some time.
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What's the latest news involving Diaz?
Having already claimed an assist, Diaz was forced off with an injury during the first half of Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Premier League table-toppers Arsenal last weekend.
In his post-match press conference, Klopp confirmed that the 25-year-old suffered a knee issue and would require a scan to determine the severity of the problem.
Although tests showed Diaz does not need to undergo surgery, he will be out of action for a prolonged period of time and will not be in contention to return until December.
As a result, the 37-cap Colombia international is set to miss a critical part of the campaign ahead of the World Cup getting underway in Qatar next month.
Diaz has found the back of the net four times and registered a further three assists in 12 appearances this season.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Diaz?
O'Rourke believes Diaz has been Liverpool's standout star during the early stages of the campaign and, as a result, his move onto the sidelines could prove to be costly as the Reds look to turn their season around.
The journalist feels Klopp's charges will miss the South American's creativity and goal threat while he is on the treatment table.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a big, big blow for Liverpool. He has probably been Liverpool's best performer this season, not that it's taken too much hard work to be their best performer with the way they have gone.
"He's scored goals, created goals and been a real livewire ever since he arrived from Porto in January, so to lose him at such a crucial stage of the season is a big blow for Jurgen Klopp."
Why is Diaz's injury a concern for Liverpool?
Liverpool have made an underwhelming start to the season and are 14 points adrift of Premier League table-toppers Arsenal, so the last thing Klopp needed was for one of his attacking outlets to sustain an injury.
Only Mohamed Salah has got his name on the scoresheet more times than Diaz and, with fixtures coming thick and fast, the Reds need as many players as possible to be available.
Since joining Liverpool, Diaz has racked up 18 goal contributions and there is no doubt that his absence will be felt in the coming weeks.
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