Jurgen Klopp admits he doesn’t know when Darwin Nunez will be able to return as the Liverpool striker continues to be troubled by a shoulder problem.
Nunez missed Saturday evening’s dreary goalless Premier League draw at Crystal Palace with the issue the forced him off at Newcastle United last week.
The Uruguayan was able to start and score in the midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid following a painkilling injection, but was substituted in the second half.
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And having subsequently suffered a setback, the 23-year-old is now a doubt for Wednesday’s Premier League visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Darwin was okay with an injection against Madrid because there’s no structural damage,” said Liverpool boss Klopp.
“It’s very painful but the day after the Madrid game he got another knock there and he couldn’t move the arm at all.
“We will have to see how long that will take. That was the reason for him not playing.”
Joe Gomez was similarly missing at Selhurst Park with a muscle problem after limping off against Real Madrid, with fellow centre-back Nat Phillips also ruled out.
Nunez’s place on the left flank was taken by Diogo Jota, who made his first start since October as he continues to build up match fitness after almost four months out with a calf issue.
And of Jota’s performance, Klopp said: “It was really, really good. That’s how it is. We tried to build it up slightly but it’s a long time (out). Before that he was injured as well. He had no pre-season, then played a few games and was really good and then was injured again. It’s been a difficult season for him.
“But absolutely okay. He can play better of course but that’s how it is. That’s what we have to go through and that’s what we will do.”
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