Carragher: Luis Díaz’s absence at Qatar World Cup benefits Liverpool
The ex-Liverpool player and Sky Sports commentator believes that the Reds might go into the second half of the season stronger because several stars will not be at the World Cup.
The 2022/2 Premier League season kicks off tomorrow with two teams starting out as favourites once again: Manchester City and Liverpool. It looks like being another intense duel between the two north west clubs - just like last season when the title race was defined right on the last day.
Luis Díaz will be one of the few players in the Liverpool squad who won’t be going to the World Cup. Colombia didn’t qualify and nor did Egypt so Díaz and Mohamed Salah will have an extended break from the end of November until mid-December.
Ex-Liverpool player Jamie Carragher thinks the rest will give his old club an advantage. “Luis Díaz and Salah will not go to the World Cup. I think that could make a difference in the second half of the season,” he explained on Sky Sports where he now works as a commentator and pundit.
City stars to miss the World Cup
The current Premier League champions will also have two stars without a World Cup. Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez, did not qualify with their respective national teams. The Norwegian hasn’t been at the club long and is still adapting, but Guardiola is confident that he will soon be decisive for the team, while the Algerian is an important member of the side.
This season’s Premier League is expected to produce another high-level battle for the trophy. Luis Díaz will have help Liverpool this year like he did last season and will have a greater role now after Sadio Mané's departure. In the recent Community Shield, he showed that he will play a big role in the Reds’ campaign.