Sport

Arne Slot Teases Darwin Nunez's Returning Role at Liverpool Amidst Busy Schedule

2024-09-20

As Liverpool gears up for their third match in just over a week against Bournemouth on Saturday, the pressure is building after their disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest. The Reds need a solid victory at Anfield to regain momentum, especially with Manchester City set to clash against Arsenal the following day.

With another match looming in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, head coach Arne Slot faces the challenge of rotating his squad effectively. While he has preferred to rely on a stable group of players thus far, Slot recognizes the need for adjustments as the fixtures pile up.

One key player who has found himself sidelined recently is Darwin Nunez. During a press conference on Friday, Slot addressed the situation surrounding the Uruguayan striker, who has struggled to find his footing after a tough end to last season. Having failed to score in his last ten appearances for Liverpool, Nunez’s lack of contributions in attack has grown concerning.

His late arrival to pre-season training after participating in the Copa America has certainly affected his early campaign, limiting him to just 82 minutes over four matches, with no goals or assists to show for it. Despite making his 100th appearance as a substitute against AC Milan, there remains a palpable sense that Nunez has yet to find his rhythm at Anfield.

"When it comes to Darwin, he will get his chance in the near future," Slot stated confidently. "We're playing a lot of games, and he is becoming fitter and more aware of what we expect from him. However, he is competing with Diogo Jota, who has performed exceptionally well in recent matches."

Looking ahead to the Bournemouth game, Slot may have an opportunity to integrate Nunez into the lineup. Given Jota's inconsistent performance against Milan—where he was deemed "wasteful"—and considering his sometimes fragile fitness, Slot might decide to give Nunez a starting chance.

Moreover, Nunez has a favorable history against Bournemouth, having scored three goals in their encounters last season. This makes a strong case for Slot to consider him more heavily as Liverpool fights for a crucial win.

As the Reds navigate this challenging stretch of fixtures, fans are left wondering: Will Saturday mark the resurgence of Darwin Nunez? Either way, whenever his moment arrives, the striker must seize the opportunity to prove himself at Liverpool.