Liverpool have confirmed an “ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz” amid reports the forward’s parents were kidnapped in Colombia.
Colombia’s president said Diaz’s mother “has been rescued” but his father remains missing.
The 43-cap international, 26, did not feature against Nottingham Forest at Anfield today and Diogo Jota paid tribute to his team-mate by holding up his shirt after opening the scoring in the 3-0 win.
Jurgen Klopp told the BBC: “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.”
Liverpool released a statement confirming the news this morning.
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.”
Colombia president Gustavo Petro said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “In an operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father.”
The country’s football federation said in a statement that the kidnapping was regrettable and urged authorities to rescue Diaz’s father.
It read: “The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Diaz are going through.
“From the FCF we express our solidarity with him and his entire family and we call for the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.”
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