Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Darwin Nunez being "fresh" was a prime reason behind the striker being thrust straight back into the Liverpool starting XI at the expense of the firing Roberto Firmino.
The Uruguayan striker was able to make his return against Everton on Saturday afternoon after serving his three-match ban for a headbutt on Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen on just his second Premier League appearance.
Brazilian forward Firmino stepped into the breach perfectly in Nunez’s absence having scored twice and notched three assists in the 9-0 win against Bournemouth, whilst he was also on the scoresheet in the last-gasp victory over Newcastle United.
That form left Klopp with a tricky dilemma to solve regarding his starting line-up at Goodison Park. Despite recognising the sparkling form that Firmino found himself in ahead of the Merseyside derby, the German explained the fact that Nunez had played little football over recent weeks was a prime reason behind his inclusion from the off.
Speaking to BT Sport ahead of kick-off on Merseyside, he said: "Bobby [Firmino] is in top shape but came back from injury and played a lot. Darwin is fresh. That is the reason for the change."
Nunez of course enjoyed a bright start to the campaign following his potential club record switch from Portuguese giants Benfica in the summer. He scored on his Liverpool debut - the Reds overcoming Manchester City in the Community Shield whilst he then followed that up with a goal and an assist on his Premier League bow against Fulham.
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However, his momentum was soon halted with the red card against Palace and despite concern that Everton could attempt to antagonise the young Uruguayan upon his return, Klopp allayed those fears by claiming that he had “learned” from his experience.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Liverpool boss said: "He [Nunez] has learned the lesson. He is in really good shape. We won the last two games so we don't see it as a bad thing, the time he was out, as we could help him, he looks really settled now.
"He is really happy to be back. Always I give him a high five but I gave him a slap on the neck so he remembers! His English hasn't improved that much in 15 days, though."
Indeed, Nunez started in a formidable looking front three at Goodison Park alongside star forward Mohamed Salah and Colombian winger Luis Diaz.
Whilst the former has endured an inconsistent start to the new season, the former Porto man has been in hot form. Ahead of the trip across Merseyside, Diaz had scored three goals in his opening five Premier League appearances of the season.
