Darwin Nunez’s Surprise Absence Against West Ham: Illness Sparks New Questions Over Liverpool Striker’s Future
The build-up to Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield on Sunday was dominated not just by tantalising title implications, but by a conspicuous absence: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s £76.8 million striker, was nowhere to be seen on the matchday squad. With speculation intensifying over his future on Merseyside, manager Arne Slot was forced to address swirling rumours as the Reds edged closer to Premier League glory.
Slot’s pre-match choices raised eyebrows, with four changes from Liverpool’s previous defeat at Fulham. Alisson Becker returned in goal, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas came into defence, while Luis Diaz took the left flank. Yet it was the total exclusion of Nunez that truly set tongues wagging. In the hours before kick-off, neither team sheet nor bench included the Uruguayan forward, recently the subject of cryptic social-media posts and persistent transfer talk.
Speaking to reporters, Slot eventually clarified: “He went in yesterday because he didn’t feel well, so he went in. That’s why he couldn’t be in the team today.” Nunez, however, was seen at Anfield, supporting his teammates from behind the substitutes’ bench, fuelling further intrigue. His absence marked only the fourth time he has missed a game this season—previously due mainly to illness or suspension—though he has started just twice in Liverpool’s last 15 matches.
The situation has cast an even brighter spotlight on Nunez, who arrived in 2022 for a package worth up to €100 million from Benfica, and was once seen as a long-term figurehead for the club. Yet, his peripheral role under Slot—frequently used as a substitute—has only heightened the sense of an imminent summer exit. Recent reports link the player with renewed interest from Saudi Pro League giants, following failed January moves from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Liverpool’s recruitment team are thought to be exploring new attacking options, with targets including Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Despite the off-field drama, Liverpool marched one step closer to their first Premier League title since 2020, courtesy of a last-gasp winner from Virgil van Dijk. The performance, though nervy at times, demonstrated the depth and resilience of Slot’s reshaped side. With Mohamed Salah signing a new two-year contract and the majority of the squad available—aside from Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joe Gomez—the Reds’ prospects remain healthy.
Nunez’s absence may prove temporary—Slot expects him fit for the next fixture—but his ongoing marginalisation speaks volumes about Liverpool’s direction. As the club narrows in on silverware, questions about their record signing’s future will only grow louder.
Does Nunez have a future at Anfield, or will this season prove the final chapter in his turbulent Liverpool career? Share your thoughts and join the debate below.
