Jurgen Klopp allays concerns over potential Luis Diaz injury after ‘Welcome to England’ blow on Liverpool bow

Luis Diaz escaped with just a small cut and bruise after a painful start to life with Liverpool.

In Sunday’s FA Cup win over Cardiff, the new signing came off the bench and immediately picked up an assist for Takumi Minamino after a defensive error by Perry Ng.

However, he then suffered what Jurgen Klopp called a ‘Welcome to England’ moment when Aden Flint accidentally landed his studs on Diaz’s knee after the pair went up for a header. After treatment, Diaz was able to carry on and his manager allayed concerns after the game.

Klopp told ITV: “It is just a bruise and a little cut - it is 'Welcome to England'... He may have a scar in the end.”

Another player who made a big impact off the bench was Harvey Elliott, who hit the third goal - his first for the club - in what was his first appearance since suffering a dislocated ankle in September.

Klopp added: “He was unlucky with the actual injury but lucky with the whole process afterwards, everything went really well. I think you deal with this kind of thing better when you are younger.

“He did an incredible job and the medical department did an incredible job. He dealt with it perfectly, really, and even from the first day he was on the way back.

“To score the goal, it was a touching moment to be honest. It is a nice little story but there were lots of nice little stories and I think the other goals were important as well.”

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.