<p>Despite a reward offering, Luis Diaz’s father is still missing since both of his parents were abducted last Saturday. They were attacked in their neighborhood in the Caribbean town of Barrancas, Colombia.</p>



<p>The kidnapping of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> player Diaz’s parents on Saturday afternoon sparked a police pursuit. At the time, authorities <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-parents-kidnapped-mother-rescued-father-still-missing-20231029-WST-465780.html">safely freed</a> Diaz’s mother.</p>



<p>The Colombian international did not return to his homeland as the military looks for his missing father. Authorities deemed it would be a security risk for Diaz to return to his home country. For his own protection, he will <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-to-remain-in-england-as-search-for-father-continues-20231031-WST-466227.html">remain in the United Kingdom</a>.</p>



<p>But the Colombian government has not been able to track down his dad. The heads of police updated Diaz throughout the process.</p>



<p>Liverpool did not include the player in the matchday roster for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> game against Nottingham Forest. In the wake of Diogo Jota’s first goal, the Reds paid homage to Diaz. Jota raised DIaz’s shirt as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory at Anfield.</p>



<h2>Who is responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Diaz’s father?</h2>



<p>On Thursday, the government said it had learned that the ELN was behind the abduction of Diaz’s parents over the weekend. The National Liberation Army, or Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) in Spanish, is a rebel group. The United States and the European Union designate the group as a terrorist organization.</p>



<p>Before fleeing with Diaz’s father, the kidnappers abandoned Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, in a vehicle as the police closed in, the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12705985/Liverpool-star-Luis-Diazs-father-released-hours.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Daily Mail</em></a> claims. The organization would likely free him within the next few hours, according to a report from the Colombian daily <a href="https://www.semana.com/politica/articulo/atencion-eln-reconoce-secuestro-de-luis-manuel-diaz-y-anuncia-su-liberacion-para-las-proximas-horas/202323/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semana</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053657/Luis-Diaz-support-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-467106" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Luis Diaz has not been in the Liverpool squad for two games, but fans continue to show the Colombian support.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Negotiator Otty Patino, who leads the Colombian government’s peace delegation, said on Thursday that the ELN was responsible for Diaz’s father’s abduction and demanded his release. A statement stated, “We demand the immediate release of Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz and remind the ELN that it is their responsibility to guarantee his life and integrity.”</p>



<p>In response, ELN spokesperson Juan Carlos Cuellar informed a community gathering, in video footage supplied by the ELN with <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-says-eln-rebels-kidnapped-liverpool-soccer-star-diazs-father-2023-11-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>, that they would free Diaz’s father “as soon as possible.” </p>



<p>Semana further notes that the ELN peace delegation members were ignorant of the militants’ role in the abduction until only hours before their news conference. Colombians are skeptical of the allegations that he may earn freedom. However, the police chief in charge of the operation has not provided an update.</p>



<h2>Will Luis Diaz play this weekend?</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fa-cup-3rd-round-and-4th-round-replays-may-be-scrapped-20231020-WST-463619.html">Jurgen Klopp</a> has revealed that Luis Diaz has returned to training in recent days. However, the winger’s participation in Saturday’s game against Luton would be entirely up to him.</p>



<p>The German manager informed the media that his player had been participating in training this week. </p>



<p>“He was in training two days ago, he had a session yesterday and will be part of the team. We must wait. If he feels right, he will be here and train with us.</p>



<p>“The session he had with us, because then we were not here, you could see that when he’s with the boys, it’s fine, it’s OK. But you could see as well that he didn’t sleep a lot. So, we just have to see how he is, and we go from there.</p>



<p>“The news from Colombia, I didn’t get it personally, I always get it forwarded. But everything that gives us a little bit of hope is good. So, we are waiting actually for the really good news.</p>



<p>“But that’s it pretty much, I cannot really say what we will do because we just wait for where we can pick up the boy from and go from there. It’s all about him, that he makes himself available or not, and I will not force anything.”</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Terrorist group provide update on situation of Luis Diaz's father

An update has been provided by Colombian rebels on Luis Diaz's father who was abducted over the weekend close to the Venezuelan border.

<p>Liverpool star Luis Diaz will remain in England as Colombian local police and military officials search for his father. Both of the player’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-parents-kidnapped-mother-rescued-father-still-missing-20231029-WST-465780.html">parents were kidnapped</a> in the South American nation at the weekend. Cilenis Marulanda, the winger’s mother, has since been released by the bandits. Nevertheless, the search for Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel, continues.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.semana.com/deportes/articulo/luis-diaz-toma-dolorosa-decision-tras-el-secuestro-de-su-padre-estas-son-las-razones/202351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Semana</em></a> now reports that Luis Diaz is set to remain in England while the search for his father occurs. According to the report, Diaz initially wanted to return to his native nation to aid the search. Relatives were, however, able to talk the star winger out of the move. There are fears that attackers could target the 26-year-old Red if he shows up in Colombia.</p>



<p>More than 120 Colombian armed forces and police officers are currently searching for Diaz’s dad. Officials revealed in the aforementioned report that they are conducting the search on land and in the air. This includes multiple motorized convoys, helicopters, and even a plane equipped with specialized radar.</p>



<h2>Officials fear Diaz’s father may be in Venezuela</h2>



<p>Colombia deployed military forces along the Venezuelan border. This is an effort to prevent kidnappers from taking Diaz’s father into a foreign country. Officials are concerned that the search would be significantly more difficult if the player’s father enters Venezuela. They also fear attackers already took him across the border.</p>



<p>“About that [being in Venezuela], I cannot give any information. I want to be very cautious,” Colombian general William Salamanca recently <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12692157/Liverpool-star-Luis-Diaz-not-travel-Colombia-security-issues-factor-search-kidnapped-father-continues-police-army-scouring-jungle.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “I flew over the area, and they would have to cross the Perija mountain range, but I think that a human being cannot do it in that area.”</p>



<p>“We were trying to leave some commandos there and we couldn’t because of the denseness of the jungle. Also, since last night, there has been a blockade that the army made in the lower part of the mountain range, which would be the exit to Venezuela.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/16053830/Liverpool-players-Luis-Diaz-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-466285" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Diogo Jota and other Liverpool players raised Diaz’s kit while the forward missed the Nottingham Forest game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Luis Diaz in England, but not playing during search for father</h2>



<p>Diaz was going to feature in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool’s</a> starting lineup for a matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nottingham-forest-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Nottingham Forest</a> on Sunday. However, the horrific recent events forced manager Jurgen Klopp to leave his star winger out of the squad. The Reds ended up winning the match 3-0 as Diaz’s replacement, Diogo Jota, scored the opening goal of the game. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/portugal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Portugal</a> international displayed a Diaz jersey after netting the goal.</p>



<p>After the match, Klopp talked about the terrible situation and its effect on his players. “We played in the most difficult circumstance I’ve ever had,” Klopp told <em><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12995988/jurgen-klopp-delivers-emotional-luis-diaz-tribute-as-forward-misses-liverpool-win-following-parents-kidnapping" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sports</a></em>. “It was a really difficult day, which ended with a good result.”</p>



<p>“The best thing we could do for our brother was that we win the game and distract him a little bit maybe, all the rest was super special in the most negative understanding. After more than 1,000 games you would think you have experienced everything, but no.”</p>



<p>Liverpool faces <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bournemouth-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Bournemouth</a> on Wednesday, Nov. 1 in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/league-cup-tv-schedule/">Carabao Cup</a> fixture. Diaz is unlikely to feature in the upcoming game as well. The winger has three goals and an assist in 11 total appearances so far this season.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Luis Diaz to remain in England as search for father continues

Liverpool's Luis Diaz will stay in England while Colombian officials search for his father. The winger would be a security risk.

<p>Tragic and deeply concerning news has emerged from Colombian media over the weekend.</p>



<p>The parents of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-injury-sidelines-forward-through-world-cup-20221010-WST-403697.html">Luis Diaz</a> were reportedly kidnapped in Colombia when they were intercepted by gunmen on motorcycles. </p>



<p>The pair were abducted as they were driving towards their residence, with the gunmen stopping them and then taking them away in their vehicle, according to authorities.</p>



<p>While Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued, his father remains missing, as confirmed by Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro. “In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/NoticiasCaracol/status/1718654152971112456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said on social media</a>.</p>



<p>General William Salamanca, the head of the nation’s police force, announced that he was using every agent to locate Diaz’s father. The police have also announced that they are offering a substantial reward for any information that could lead to the captors and the safe release of Luis Manuel Diaz.</p>



<p>In the words of Police General <a href="https://twitter.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1718641346439758303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William Rene Salamanca</a>, “On the instructions of the Minister of Defense, a reward of up to 200 million pesos will be given to anyone who gives us information that allows us to find the whereabouts of Mr. Luis Diaz.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="441" height="394" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/16053911/image-3-441x394.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-465817" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px"></figure></div><figcaption>Police General announces the reward for information regarding the whereabouts of Luis Diaz’s father</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are concerns that the kidnappers may be attempting to transport him out of the country and into Venezuela, <a href="https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/investigacion/luis-diaz-ofrecen-recompensa-de-hasta-200-millones-de-pesos-por-su-papa-820940" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Tiempo</a> have suggested. In addition, authorities have discovered the motorcycle on which the winger’s father was taken away.</p>



<h2>What did Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp say?</h2>



<p>Luis Diaz would have been a likely starter for Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. However, due to the distressing situation involving his father, was understandably omitted from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-rogue-and-rapid-downturn-of-liverpool-this-season-20230314-WST-423272.html">Jurgen Klopp</a>‘s matchday squad when it was announced.</p>



<p>The experienced German manager <a href="https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopp-press-conference-forest-win-diaz-support-and-mac-allister-performance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">provided an explanation</a> before the match, stating, “We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz. It’s a worrying situation for all of us, and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”</p>



<p>Meanwhile, a <a href="https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-fc-statement-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement from the club</a> read, “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia. It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”</p>



<h2>What did Diego Jota say after honoring Luis Diaz?</h2>



<p>Diogo Jota was selected in the starting lineup in place of the Colombian and proceeded to score the opening goal of the match. Following the 3-0 home win, the Portuguese star shared his thoughts on the situation.</p>



<p>“Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you. He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.</p>



<p>“It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him”, he told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c1edjqww1njo.amp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Sport</a>.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo</p>


Luis Diaz parents kidnapped: Mother rescued, father still missing

Luis Diaz's parents were reportedly abducted on Saturday in their native country Colombia when two guys on a motorbike stopped their car.

Luis Diaz parents kidnapped: Mother rescued, father still missing - World Soccer Talk

<p>Liverpool forward Luis Diaz will remain on the sidelines for three months after he had successful surgery on his knee.</p>



<p>The knee issue stems from an injury in Liverpool’s loss against Arsenal earlier in the campaign in early October. Thomas Partey and the Colombian international collided. However, Diaz left the game due as it was revealed he damaged is lateral collateral ligament in his left knee.</p>



<p>Originally, Liverpool’s medical staff believed he would miss less time. In fact, he should have been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-diaz-injury-sidelines-forward-through-world-cup-20221010-WST-403697.html">ready to play once the World Cup finished</a>. Consequently, he returned to training with the Anfield club and participated in its brief tour during the World Cup.</p>



<p>However, the forward complained of pain on the same knee in training. Upon further testing and investigation, doctors recommended surgery. Now, the forward is <a href="https://theathletic.com/3994040/2022/12/12/luis-diaz-injury-knee-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">out of commission until March</a>.</p>



<p>Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp knows the injury is a blow for a Liverpool side that has not been in <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/tables" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top form this season</a>. </p>



<p>“It was a non-situation in training, honestly,” Klopp said. “Nothing, [then Diaz] felt something. [He] didn’t feel a lot next day but we wanted to be really cautious and said, ‘okay, come on. Let’s have a look.</p>



<p>“Then the news came and it was a proper smash in the face.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“It was a proper smash in the face”. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Luís Díaz will be out for three months. 🔴🇨🇴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a><br><br>Liverpool expect Diaz to return in March after surgery.<a href="https://t.co/h8vUrTIZ4s">pic.twitter.com/h8vUrTIZ4s</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1602295929406914562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Luis Diaz surgery comes at inopportune time</h2>



<p>While the injury damaged Liverpool, it was at an ‘okay’ time. With the World Cup coming, and Colombia failing to qualify, it was a month and a half of designated time for the forward to heal and return to fitness.</p>



<p>Now, Luis Diaz is out through March with this surgery. That includes missing a number of pivotal games across multiple competitions.</p>



<p>For example, Diaz misses at least the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie with Real Madrid. That is set for Feb. 21. However, he could potentially return for the March 15 away leg. Yet, that would require the forward to have a hasty recovery.</p>



<p>Also, Liverpool has cup ties against Manchester City in the League Cup and Wolves in the FA Cup soon after players return from the World Cup. Liverpool performed well without Diaz following that game against Arsenal. </p>



<p>The Reds won eight games in all competitions, even if it did lose twice in league play, keeping the club in sixth. Even then, the loss of Diaz for an extended period of time puts more strain on the other forward options at Klopp’s disposal.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images</em></p>


Liverpool's Luis Diaz out until March after surgery

Luis Diaz had successful surgery on his left knee after an injury stemming back a couple months. He is out for three more months, though.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz out until March after surgery - World Soccer Talk

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