Liverpool fans will still be ecstatic about their win against Newcastle United yesterday. They’re the only team to beat Eddie Howe’s Magpies this season, and they’ve done it twice. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo had Jurgen Klopp jumping for joy but after the match, he wasn’t as excited.
Nunez picked up a slight injury in the match following a coming together with Kieran Trippier. At face value, it looked like nothing to worry about. However, Klopp’s assessment of the injury post-match led Liverpool fans to think otherwise.
According to trusted Liverpool journalist James Pearce on Twitter, Klopp refused to give a definitive answer to Nunez injury concerns. Instead, he stated that “we will have to see. It’s painful.”
Klopp on Nunez: "Darwin has something on his shoulder. We will have to see. We need further assessment. It's painful."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) February 18, 2023
Fans in the replies are understandably concerned about this. Darwin Nunez, despite what neutral fans will try to convince you, has been pivotal to Liverpool this season.
Only four Premier League players - Haaland, Rashford, Kane, Salah - have more non-penalty goals in all comps this season than Darwin Núñez. #LFC
— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) February 18, 2023
There is certainly a media agenda against him and claims that he’s a flop are completely nonsensical. Granted, he’s not at the same level of Haaland as some claimed before the season commenced, but nobody is at that level except the Norwegian this season.
Liverpool have a quick turnaround as they next play Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. This is without a doubt the biggest game of their season so far. Fans will feel like they’ve hit form at the right time but Real Madrid are one of the favourites to win the competition this season, so Liverpool will need Darwin Nunez fit and ready to play.
The Top Flight will provide updates on Darwin Nunez’ recovery as and when they come.