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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has quashed speculation of a falling-out with Darwin Núñez, insisting the striker’s absence from last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham was due to feeling unwell, not disciplinary reasons.
Núñez was notably left out of the matchday squad but watched the game from behind the bench at Anfield, sparking rumors of a training ground dispute at the AXA Centre. However, Slot was quick to deny any conflict when addressing the media ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester City on Sunday.
“He didn’t have a bust-up,” Slot clarified. “He left training because he didn’t feel himself. That can mean a lot of things, but it wasn’t about any altercation with staff.”
The £85 million forward’s exclusion raised eyebrows, particularly as it followed public criticism from Slot over his work rate in recent performances. But the Dutch manager reiterated that Núñez will be available for selection this weekend as Liverpool aim to edge closer to Premier League glory.
A win over Leicester could seal the title for Liverpool—if Arsenal slip up away to Ipswich Town. Slot, however, is keeping his focus firmly on the task at hand rather than potential celebrations.
“You don’t come to a club like Liverpool without believing in the opportunity to compete at the top,” Slot said. “But first and foremost, our aim is to play well, win games, and let the table take care of itself.”
Liverpool’s preparations for the run-in have already received a boost with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah committing their futures to the club for another two years—deals that Slot called “a huge part of our summer strategy.”
While speculation continues to swirl around the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has yet to extend his contract amid interest from Real Madrid, Slot confirmed the full-back has returned to training and could be in the squad on Sunday.
“As far as summers go, this one has already been significant,” said Slot. “Retaining players like Virgil and Mo is a statement. If we can keep the core group together, that’s success in itself.”
Though Liverpool are expected to explore options at centre-forward and left-back, Slot emphasized that major changes aren’t needed for a side on the brink of another league title.
“The longer a team plays together, the more successful it becomes,” he noted. “Some fresh energy is always good, but we’re not in a position where we need to overhaul anything.”
As Liverpool prepare for a potentially historic weekend, all eyes will be on Núñez’s return—and whether the Reds can take one more step toward another Premier League crown.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @liverpoolfc, Unsplash / Mark mc neill
