Darwin Nunez pulls out of Uruguay squad with hamstring issue

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has pulled out of the Uruguay squad to face the Basque Country and Ivory Coast in friendlies later this month.

However, Reds fans will be relieved to see Nunez sit out the upcoming friendlies to focus on recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old striker played the entire 120 minutes in our FA Cup defeat to Manchester United but has been experiencing hamstring discomfort.

He will miss Uruguay’s matches against the Basque Country (March 23) and Ivory Coast (March 26). This decision to stay back at Merseyside comes after discussions with national team manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Nunez has suffered from hamstring issues this season, and with a crucial run-in for Liverpool coming, club and country are taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. 

This enforced rest during the international break will be a welcome sight for manager Jurgen Klopp, who expressed concerns about player fitness after the United match.

Apart from Nunez, the Reds have other injury concerns, including Luis Diaz, who felt his groin while Cody Gakpo twisted his ankle.

Ibrahima Konate has been on the injury table for over a week now. The former RB Leipzig defender has also pulled out of France’s squad and will be replaced by Axel Disasi or Jean-Clair Todibo as they prepare for Euro 2024. 

Caoimhin Kelleher continues to deputise for an injured Alisson Becker.

Nunez’s absence weakens Uruguay, but it allows him to focus on recovery and return fully fit for the remainder of the season.  

Despite crashing out of the FA Cup, Liverpool remain firmly in the Premier League title race and will need all hands on deck with vital fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, and Sheffield United after the break.

The Merseysiders are also in the Europa League quarter-final, where they will face Atalanta.

Nunez has been a vital cog in the Reds’ attack, bagging 17 goals and chipping in with 12 assists across all competitions.