Fears Liverpool star could miss Newcastle United & Man United run-in as four ruled out

Darwin Nunez was a surprise absence from Liverpool’s 3-0 Premier League victory against Leicester City on Monday night.

Having started back-to-back wins over West London duo Fulham and Brentford, the Urguayan forward was expected to start at the King Power Stadium.

However, when the starting XI and bench was confirmed, the 23-year-old wasn’t on the team sheet. It was then confirmed by boss Jurgen Klopp during his pre-match interview that Nunez had sustained a toe injury in training.

“Yesterday we trained and he looked OK and then after training he said he feels something in his foot, in his big toe,” said Klopp.

“So then we had to make a decision because we are two hours, 45 minutes away from Liverpool and we had to make a decision yesterday about the squad and we did that, so he was not involved.

“He is now here, I saw him, he wants to support the team but was not available.”

With the game at Leicester falling close to the end of the campaign, it was immediately feared Nunez could miss remaining games against Aston Villa and Southampton.

Klopp, though, is hopeful of having him back. The German added: “No, I don’t think so, the session didn’t look like that but after the session he felt it more than before and so we have to assess that in more detail.”

Liverpool are without Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita and Calvin Ramsey until next season. They hope to have Roberto Firmino available for his last Anfield appearance on Saturday.

The race for Champions League qualification took a fresh twist last night following Liverpool’s win at Leicester. Klopp’s fifth place side now sit one point behind Newcastle United and Manchester United, though both clubs have a game in hand.

Newcastle’s game in hand is against Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park on Thursday before hosting Leicester on Monday. On the final day, they make the visit to Chelsea.

Eddie Howe’s side know six points from their remaining three games will guarantee a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years.

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