Arne Slot has denied rumours that Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez had a training ground bust-up last week — but said his omission from the squad was not due to illness or injury.
The Uruguayan sat in the stands and was not named as a substitute for the Reds’ win over West Ham after gossip circulated that he had been involved in a heated scenario at training the day before.
But Slot says this is not true and when asked about Nunez, insisted: ‘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.’
The boss said the 25-year-old will be back in the squad on Sunday against Leicester but when pushed on how he did not feel himself, said: ‘That can mean multiple things, yes. He didn't feel himself.’
Pushed on whether he had words with a member of staff, he said: ‘No, he didn't. He did leave the pitch because he didn't feel himself.’
Asked if this meant he was ill, Slot added: ‘As in he didn't have words with a staff member.’
Nunez has an uncertain future at Liverpool with Saudi Arabian clubs and some on the continent keeping tabs on his situation.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could win the title on Sunday — if Arsenal lose at Ipswich and the Reds win at Leicester — but Slot says he is not thinking about that and all he is focused on is victory at the King Power Stadium.
He is delighted that Virgil van Dijk signed his new contract, though, and said: ‘You know how important he is when you see him play.
‘I have not worked with a player like him in terms of leadership. The energy he brings, how professional he is, tries to influence his team-mates.‘
Trent Alexander-Arnold has completed two days of training and could make the substitutes bench after missing a month with an ankle injury.