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Liverpool’s coach, Jurgen Klopp, is prioritizing Darwin Nunez’s physical well-being over his mental state as the team prepares for a crucial match against Arsenal, with the Uruguayan player possibly being unavailable.
Nunez made history in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Chelsea by hitting the goal frame four times, setting a new record for a single player in a game. This brings his total to nine for the Premier League and six more than any other player.
Despite facing regular criticism for his lack of goal scoring, 24-year-old Nunez has managed to score 11 goals in all competitions and has also recorded double figures in assists.
Unfortunately, following an energetic performance where he assisted Luis Diaz in scoring the fourth goal, he departed Anfield wearing a protective boot due to a foot injury. This may result in him missing the upcoming game against Arsenal on Sunday.
Klopp stated that he was unsure if Darwin would be able to play due to someone stepping on his foot during the game, causing a great deal of pain.
“He removed the boot from the game afterwards, as he did not want to see it beforehand. He was aware that there was something wrong.”
“Although there are no fractures and the X-ray is normal, there is swelling. We need to determine if he will be able to fit his foot back into a football boot. This will require some time.”
Nunez did not seem to be hindered by the injury and showed no lack of confidence when he decided to take the penalty in place of regular taker Mohamed Salah, who was unable to play. However, Nunez’s shot hit the post.
According to Klopp, that instance was a setback for the striker’s confidence, but his response showed that he was not affected by it.
“It certainly affects him, as he is a human being. If it had no impact on him, that would be unusual,” stated the manager. During the press conference, a journalist’s phone rang, interrupting briefly, and the manager seemed eager to answer the call from his dentist.
He definitely felt the impact of the missed penalty, but he is confident that he will have another opportunity.
“However, persevering through the pain in this game demonstrates great strength and determination.”
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“I do not base my judgement of Darwin on the crossbar moments. I judge him for his assist to Lucho (Diaz).”
“That is exceptional in terms of football, not allowing your own misfortune to affect you and staying focused in the game.”
However, although Nunez may have multiple opportunities and fail to capitalize on them, Liverpool also possesses a striker who is significantly more lethal.
Nunez has an average of scoring one goal every 186 minutes in the Premier League, with a conversion rate of 8.5 shots per goal. Out of his 60 shots, 32 have been on target. In comparison, his teammate scores one goal every 106 minutes, with a conversion rate of 2.3 shots per goal. He has had 12 out of 19 shots on target and has not hit the post this season.
In the recent match against Chelsea, the Portuguese player scored the first goal, making it four goals in four consecutive games and a total of 13 goals this season.
Klopp described Jota as having all the necessary qualities and being a well-rounded player. He is aware of this and it is a widely recognized fact.
“Diogo consistently receives numerous knocks in every game. Upon reviewing all medical records during Diogo’s time here, it is evident that he is present in each and every one, not necessarily as an injured player, but with bruises and knocks.”
If he had not been injured at an inopportune time, his statistics may have been different.
“He is quite literally soaring. Additionally, he consistently demonstrates exceptional intellect on the football field and is capable of playing any of the three forward positions, which proves crucial in the absence of Mo.”
Source: independent.co.uk
