By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

28th Mar, 2023 | 7:00pm

Sources: Luis Diaz returns to Liverpool training ahead of Man City clash

Luis Diaz took a major step toward a return to first-team action by training with the Liverpool Under-21s team during the international break, sources have told Football Insider.

The Colombian has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury during the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal in early October.

He had been originally scheduled to return following the mid-season World Cup but suffered a further setback at a Dubai training camp and has been sidelined since.

Fortunately for Diaz, he is now closer than ever to a comeback, having stepped up his efforts while his senior colleagues jetted off around the world during the international break.

The 26-year-old spent the week training with Barry Lewtas and his Under-21s team at Kirkby as he looked to further build up his fitness after a lengthy lay-off.

Football Insider understands that Diaz played a full part in a number of sessions with the youngsters and suffered no ill effects.

That news will have fans hoping that a comeback is imminent, though Liverpool plan to take a cautious approach with the winger in a bid to avoid reinjury.

It remains to be seen whether Klopp will involve Diaz in the squad that travels to face Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.

He is expected to rejoin the first team in full training once their international commitments are fulfilled, but may need more than that to convince his manager of his fitness.

And with a trip to Chelsea coming hot on the heels of this weekend’s game, the reverse fixture against Arsenal next week may be considered a more realistic target.

In other news, Liverpool have been dealt crushing new injury blow