Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been dealing with a shoulder issue for some time, and Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that he is unsure of when he will be able to play again.
Nunez was pushed off at Newcastle United last week, so he was unable to play in Saturday’s dull 0-0 Premier League match at Selhurst Park.
The Uruguayan hitman was allowed to start and score in the midweek Champions League loss to Real Madrid thanks to a painkiller injection, but he was replaced in the second half.
The 23-year-old is now questionable for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers after suffering a setback.
Jurgen Klopp comments on Darwin Nunez situation
After the goaless draw against Palace, Jurgen Klopp said: “Darwin was okay with an injection against Madrid because there’s no structural damage.”
“It’s very painful but the day after the Madrid game he got another knock there and he couldn’t move the arm at all.”
“We will have to see how long that will take. That was the reason for him not playing.”
Nunez has scored twice in his last two games and has 12 goals overall for the club despite receiving criticism from some football pundits since moving to Anfield.
Diogo Jota, who started for the first time since October and had been out with a calf injury for nearly four months, took Nunez’s spot on the left wing.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez was also absent at Selhurst Park with a muscle issue from leaving the field against Real Madrid.
The German boss also commented on Jota’s performance: “It was really, really good. That’s how it is. We tried to build it up slightly but it’s a long time (out). Before that he was injured as well. He had no pre-season, then played a few games and was really good and then was injured again. It’s been a difficult season for him.”
“But absolutely okay. He can play better of course but that’s how it is. That’s what we have to go through and that’s what we will do.”
Liverpool’s below-par streak, which has seen them win only three of their last 11 games, was extended with the draw at Palace over the weekend, and Jurgen Klopp & co will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes sooner rather than later.
The Reds hold only a one-point lead over Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion in the hunt for European football, and they now prepare for another meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Wednesday evening.