Liverpool have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their crucial Brighton game in the Premier League. The Reds are already having an injury crisis in their squad which has hampered their season, and now, star striker Darwin Nunez is doubtful for their trip to Brighton. It was pretty tough for Liverpool the last time they met the Seagulls at Anfield, as they escaped with a 3-3 draw after De Zerbi’s men had raced to a two-goal lead within the 20 minutes of the kick-off.
The Reds should expect another tough outing against Brighton this time, who will be hosting them on Saturday, 14 January. On the other hand, their list of injuries is just growing with Nunez now added to it. Although his potential absence has not yet been confirmed, it is highly likely that Liverpool don’t risk him and keep the striker out of action against a highly physical Brighton.
Liverpool could be without a stunning seven first-team players against Brighton
Liverpool’s current injury woes run beyond their latest victim Darwin Nunez. The Reds have been dealt with an unlucky hand with players’ fitness, constantly missing key players from time to time during this 22/23 season. As a result, their season till now has been one of the worst hit, as they sit seventh in the Premier League table, already out of the title race as leaders Arsenal have opened a 16-point gap over them.
An example of their trembling season was served in the last game against Wolves in the FA Cup third round. Liverpool were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw at Anfield, as a controversial VAR decision chalked-off Wolves’ winner. While Nunez featured for the full 90 minutes in the cup tie, he apparently has sustained a minor knock which could keep him out against Brighton, according to The Telegraph.
Although Liverpool have not yet released any concrete news over the record signing’s injury, it was evident that he is a doubt for the trip to Brighton as he missed the Reds’ latest training session. This could put Klopp under immense pressure since his options in the attack to pick from against the Seagulls will be further cut out. Moreover, the German could also have to do it with a staggering seven first-team players, if Nunez is confirmed out.
While attacking duo Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are already out nursing long term injuries, striker Roberto Firmino too is unavailable due to a muscle injury which he suffered last month. Arthur Melo and James Milner are missing as well, with the Juventus loanee in recovery after undergoing a surgery on his knee and the veteran midfielder out with a hamstring issue since December.
Virgil van Dijk too picked a hamstring knock during the 3-1 loss to Brentford earlier this month and is expected to make a return only in mid-February. As a result, Klopp will be without the six aforementioned first-team players for a substantial period, and now Nunez could add to it. Liverpool are staring at a busy schedule as they face he likes of Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle and Real Madrid across their six games after the Brighton clash. Klopp will hence need as many players as he can have at his disposal, fully fit and in form.