Liverpool’s late extra-time loss against Manchester United on Sunday was the worst way to head into an international break.
With the game in their hands, the Reds twice threw leads away and will now have to sit and stew on a terrible result for the next two weeks. But as well as the gut-wrenching finale, Jurgen Klopp revealed that he had perhaps pushed a couple of his players too hard during the game.
One of those Klopp mentioned was Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan didn’t have his best game for the Reds, poorly giving away the ball in the lead-up to Marcus Rashford’s extra-time equaliser.
But having provided an update earlier in the day, journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X late on Monday night to suggest that Nunez may have been injured when he played that pass. The 24-year-old has been removed from international duty.
“Confirmed: Darwin Nunez, out of Uruguay official list for upcoming games,” Romano writes.
“He will be back for Copa América, now full focus on recovering best form as he’s staying in Liverpool.”
Darwin stays in Liverpool
Obviously, there is still a chance that this is not good news for Liverpool. We don’t yet know the severity of Nunez’s issue.
But the insinuation seems to be that the injury will only keep him out of action for Uruguay. It feels likely that the 24-year-old will be back ready to play against Brighton on March 31st.
If that is the case, then it will indeed be good news for the Reds. With other key players still missing for a game or two more, Liverpool could do without Nunez being added to that list.
Although he wasn’t great against United, the Reds’ No.9 still affected the game positively. He picked up an assist for Alexis Mac Allister, making it 12 assists for the season. 29 goal contributions in 42 games. That’s up 10 in the same amount of games last year.
If Nunez is taken out of the team for any length of time, Liverpool can look a little toothless.
Had he gone away and played on this knock for Uruguay, then it could have made the issue worse. At this stage of the season, any fresh injury has the potential to be fatal to a player’s season.
Still with the Europa League and Premier League in their sights, Liverpool need their best players fit. Although he didn’t show it at Old Trafford, Nunez still very much falls into that category.
Fingers crossed this is just a precaution then. It will be a shame not to see Darwin suiting up for his country, he’d been in top form for them this season. But from a Liverpool point of view, it’s great to see the big man get a rest.