Liverpool fans often approach international breaks with apprehension, as they frequently bring injury concerns, and that worry may have resurfaced with one player being substituted early for his national team.
Darwin Núñez was replaced by Rodrigo Aguirre at halftime during Uruguay’s match against Brazil, with the score still at 0-0, cutting his night short.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the early substitution might be seen as a positive, offering Núñez some rest. However, it also raises concerns about a possible injury or a dip in performance.
SofaScore rated the striker 6.7 out of 10, an average score for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, suggesting the decision may not have been purely performance-related. This leaves injury or precautionary rest as the likely reasons, with Liverpool fans undoubtedly hoping for the latter.
Darwin Núñez a potential fitness concern for Southampton
South American players often face challenges returning to Merseyside and being match-ready immediately. Manager Arne Slot may take comfort in Núñez’s early withdrawal, especially with Diogo Jota racing to regain fitness ahead of the Southampton match.
Additionally, Luis Díaz played a key role in a demanding week for Colombia, adding to the challenge of balancing squad fitness and form.
Liverpool will need to carefully manage their players to secure a victory against Southampton while staying prepared for crucial fixtures against Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Everton.
The hope remains that Liverpool makes the right decisions to ensure both short-term success and long-term squad health.
