Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Darwin Nunez has “learned the lesson” of his red card against Crystal Palace as the striker prepares to make his Liverpool return.
The Uruguayan has been suspended for the last three Premier League matches having been dismissed for a headbutt on Palace’s Joachim Andersen. He returns at the perfect time though with the Reds preparing for their first Merseyside derby showdown of the season with Everton at the weekend.
The Toffees are anticipated to attempt to rile up Nunez once more but Klopp has allayed any fears that he could find himself on the wrong side of the referee again.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the German schemer 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.”
It of course remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old is instantly handed a place back in the Liverpool starting XI with fellow forward Roberto Firmino in great form. The Brazilian scored twice and notched three assists in the 9-0 record-breaking win against Bournemouth at Anfield.
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He followed that up with another strike in the comeback victory against Newcastle United in midweek. Regardless, Kop hero Jamie Carragher has a simple opinion on Nunez that he should indeed be thrust straight back into the starting lineup.
Taking to Twitter, the ex-defender said: "Start him! Firmino has been great the last two games, but three games in a week won’t be easy for him. Nunez has been training and it’s one of the few areas we can freshen up with the quick turnaround."
Nunez did of course enjoy his start to life in English football following his big-money switch from Benfica. He scored on his debut in the Community Shield success against title rivals Manchester City, whilst he both scored and assisted on his Premier League bow against Fulham.
He of course now gets his first taste of the Merseyside derby against Everton as the Reds travel to Goodison Park. Liverpool have not lost against the Toffees at the home of their great rivals since 2010.
The Reds did the double over Everton last term - a 4-1 thumping at Goodison Park having been followed up by a 2-0 success at Anfield back in April.
