Arne Slot responds to claims of Darwin Nunez training ground row | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has denied claims of a training ground bust-up involving striker Darwin Nunez.

The Uruguayan striker's third season at Anfield has been extremely underwhelming despite the club's overall progress under Arne Slot. In 42 games played across all competitions – with many of those appearances coming as a substitute – Nunez has netted just seven goals and he missed a crucial penalty for Liverpool in their Champions League round of 16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Nunez was not in Liverpool's matchday squad for last Sunday's 2-1 win over West Ham United, with his absence initially put down to being ill. However, there's been speculation that Nunez fell out with Slot and his staff on the training ground, which was the real reason for his omission.

Slot refuted the suggestions in his latest news conference, however, adamantly stating: "He didn't feel himself the day before the match, and he went inside and he wasn't able to be part of the team the day after."

Pressed on whether Nunez had upset his team-mates and coaching staff by failing to apply himself properly, the Dutchman continued: "No, he didn't. He did leave the pitch because he didn't feel himself. He didn't have words with a staff member."

Regardless of whether or not the row took place, it's looking increasingly likely that Nunez's long-term future lies away from the Premier League champions-elect.

Unable to dislodge Diogo Jota for a regular starting berth up top, Nunez has also had a watching brief when the Portugal international was sidelined through injury, with Slot often preferring to play either Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz in a central role – both players are arguably best suited to playing on the left wing.

Slot's preference to select other players ahead of Nunez is perhaps highlighted best by his total number of Premier League minutes. From a possible 2,880 minutes, the 25-year-old has played just 995 - starting eight of the 29 matches he's participated in. He's returned just five goals, two of which came in the same game away at Brentford.

Nunez, who Liverpool agreed to pay up to £85m for in 2022, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, with his future now increasingly in doubt. Couple the links with Liverpool's clear desire to sign a new striker – Ollie Watkins the latest to be linked – and it's hard to imagine the former Benfica hitman staying on Merseyside for much longer.