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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Gorst

Darwin Nunez provides major Liverpool boost after Luis Diaz surgery update

Darwin Nunez reported for training on Tuesday as Liverpool continued their mid-season work out in Dubai.

Nunez flew in to join up with his colleagues on Monday after his exploits at the World Cup in Qatar where his native Uruguay were knocked out in the group stages in dramatic fashion, despite beating Ghana 2-0 in the final match.

Jurgen Klopp has granted those at the World Cup a week off once their campaign in Doha comes to an end but the timing of Liverpool's visit to the Middle East meant Nunez was afforded closer to a fortnight following La Celeste's exit from the tournament.

READ MORE: Luis Diaz surgery update as Liverpool star's girlfriend sends emotional message from hospital

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The former Benfica striker was part of the club's contingent at the Nad al Sheba complex in Dubai as Klopp and his staff put the squad through their paces in searing winter temperatures ahead of Friday's Super Cup friendly clash with AC Milan at the Al Maktoum Stadium.

Nunez's return is a timely one for Klopp as Liverpool face up to the news that Luis Diaz will likely be sidelined until March after undergoing knee surgery this week.

Diaz suffered the initial problem in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in early October but had been closing in on his comeback after returning to full training in Dubai. The Colombia international had to be sent back to Merseyside after suffering a serious setback in his recovery on Friday, however.

On Monday evening, Diaz's partner, Gera Ponce, posted an emotional message on Instagram after the Reds star had gone under the knife.

Alongside images of Diaz in a hospital bed, she wrote: "Sometimes the difficulties that occur in our life directly prepare us to take an extraordinary path. Now patience and strength are essential. But, above all, the love of the family. We are all here for you, the same as always. And we will see you rise stronger, we love you."

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to Lyon on Sunday, Klopp said of Diaz: "He is not in the best possible place [mentally], that is clear. It was a big disappointment for all of us and him as well. It was a nothing situation in training, honestly.

"And he felt something, he didn't feel it a lot the next day but we wanted to be really cautious. So we said: 'come on, let's have a proper look' and then the news came which was a proper smash in the face, but that's it now."

With Diogo Jota also on the shelf with a serious calf problem until closer to February, Nunez's comeback is well timed and the £64m striker is likely to feature when the Reds meet Milan on Friday evening.

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