Liverpool were dealt an injury worry when it was confirmed that Darwin Nunez would not go on international duty.
The Reds striker appeared to suffer the injury during Liverpool’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on March 15. As a result, Nunez will not feature for Uruguay during the international break.
Jurgen Klopp will hope that he will have his star striker available in time for their return to Premier League action against Manchester City on April 1. Liverpool have 12 fixtures left this season to try and secure a top four finish.
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Nunez has gone on to become an important player for Liverpool this season, and with that in mind the ECHO takes a look at the latest regarding his injury, including a possible return date, what Uruguay and Klopp have said, and more.
What Jurgen Klopp has said about Darwin Nunez
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked about Nunez’s situation following the defeat to Real Madrid.
The Uruguayan was substituted in the 57th minute, with the Reds still trailing by three goals in the tie at the time.
When asked why he chose to substitute Nunez, Klopp explained that he could tell that the striker was not at his best, but did not say anything about an injury.
“Darwin looked like he was not at the absolute top level as well and we needed to defend that side as well,” said Klopp.
“We could change and we wanted to mix things up a bit.”
Uruguay decision on Darwin Nunez
The Uruguay Football Federation released a statement confirming that Nunez had suffered an injury and would be withdrawn from their squad for the friendly matches against Japan and South Korea this month.
"Darwin Núñez will not participate due to injury and instead, the interim technical director of the Uruguayan team, Marcelo Broli, called Jonathan Rodríguez," an official statement confirmed.
"Uruguay will face the local team on March 24 at the National Stadium in Japan and four days later, on the 28th, they will play at the Seoul World Cup Stadium against South Korea."
Uruguayan outlet El Observador added more information on the situation, stating that Nunez has suffered a 'cut ankle', which was 'reported' to the national team by Liverpool.
Possible Darwin Nunez return date
At this stage, there has been nothing concrete on the severity of the injury other than it’s seemingly enough not to risk Nunez by him featuring in the international friendlies.
Liverpool travel to face Manchester City on April 1, and Klopp always likes players to take full part of at least two training sessions before being eligible to play.
In order for Nunez to have a chance of playing at the Etihad Stadium, he would likely need to be in full training from next week at the latest.
Should Nunez not be available to face Man City, Liverpool’s next fixtures afterwards come against Chelsea (April 4) and then Arsenal (April 9).
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