Arne Slot has addressed rumors of a training ground clash involving Darwin Nunez, offering clarity on the striker’s recent absence from the Liverpool squad.
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Following their unexpected 3-2 loss to Fulham, Liverpool bounced back with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend. ..Continue Reading
Nunez was notably absent from the matchday squad and was seen watching from the stands, prompting speculation that he had been involved in a disagreement during training the day before the game.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester City, Slot confirmed that Nunez was neither injured nor ill, suggesting his exclusion was down to other reasons.
Asked about Nunez’s absence from Liverpool training, Slot said: “He didn’t feel himself the day before the match, and he went inside, and he wasn’t able to be part of the team the day after.”
Slot said the Uruguayan will be back in the squad for Sunday’s fixture but when pushed on how he did not feel himself, he said: “That can mean multiple things, yes. He didn’t feel himself.”
On whether the 25-year-old exchanged words with a member of staff, the Liverpool manager added: “No, he didn’t. He did leave the pitch because he didn’t feel himself…. as in he didn’t have words with a staff member.”
After netting 18 goals in all competitions last season, Darwin Nunez has managed just seven so far this campaign.
The striker has been at the center of heavy transfer talk, with reports linking him to a potential exit during the January window.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Nunez’s time at Anfield appears to be coming to an end, with a summer departure looking increasingly likely.
On X, the transfer expert wrote: “The plan is clear since February and it hasn’t changed: Darwin Nunez, expected to leave Liverpool in the summer.
“After offer turned down by the club in January from Al Nassr, all options will be considered in the upcoming months.
“Darwin, also open to new chapter.”
Clubs in Spain and Saudi Arabia are believed to be keeping tabs on Nunez’s situation ahead of the transfer window reopening this summer.
