Darwin Nunez’s absence from Liverpool’s starting lineup in Leicester was immediately noticeable, and his absence has been explained
Jurgen Klopp made two changes to his starting lineup for the season’s final away game, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in missing out.
While the latter is among the substitutes, Nunez was noticeably absent when the team was released at 7 p.m., despite having been spotted at the King Power.
The No. 27 is out due to “a minor toe injury,” but he is at the stadium because he wanted to “come and support the team,” according to the Athletic’s James Pearce.
“Yesterday we trained and he looked OK, but afterwards he said he felt something in his toe, so we had to make a decision,” Klopp explained ahead of the game.
Nunez has missed one or more games for the fifth time this season due to suspension or injury. The hope is that his toe injury will be limited to Monday’s game, with Klopp stating that he “doesn’t think” it will keep him out of the final two games.
Nunez had appeared in all 13 of the previous matches, including seven starts.
Mohamed Salah is joined by Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz in Liverpool’s forward line for their trip to Leicester; this is only their second start as an attacking unit.
The last time was against Tottenham, when Salah and Diaz both scored and Gakpo assisted – a similar return would certainly be welcomed at Leicester!
Salah can overtake Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s scoring charts with a goal at the King Power Stadium, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 187 goals.
Jordan Henderson, who came off the bench against Brentford, has returned to the starting lineup, joining Fabinho and Curtis Jones in midfield.
Jones is making his ninth consecutive start, while Fabinho is making his 13th.
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