Luis Diaz Left Out Of Liverpool Squad After Parents Kidnapped In Colombia

Luis Diaz was left out of the Liverpool squad for Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia.

Colombian president Gustavo Petro said on social media late on Saturday night that Diaz's mother had been rescued in Barrancas but that his father was still missing.

Liverpool then issued a club statement around five hours before kick-off on Sunday.

It 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."

Diogo Jota held up a Liverpool jersey printed with Diaz's name after scoring the opening goal against Forest at Anfield.

The gesture was applauded by his Liverpool teammates as well as by fans inside the stadium.

Liverpool went on to win the match 3-0.

After the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: "We played in the most difficult circumstance I've ever had. It was a really difficult day, which ended with a good result.

"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.

"But it's not about us, it's about 'Lucho' and his family, and we all pray and hope that everything will be fine. What we can do, we will do, we've done already in the club and the only thing we could do today was fight for their brother - and that's what they did."

Diogo Jota pictured holding up a Liverpool jersey printed with the name of Luis Diaz during Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest

IMAGO/Propaganda Photo/David Rawcliffe