Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota returned from international duty with “minor” fitness issues, forcing them to sit out against Brighton.
The Reds enjoyed a hot streak between games as Jordan Henderson, Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsay and Caoimhin Kelleher all returned from injury.
In addition, there did not seem to be any new setbacks, and for the likes of Thiago, Joel Matip and James Milner, the time off gave them a chance to rest.
But when the team sheet for Liverpool vs. Brighton at 2pm on Saturday, there were three obvious omissions.
Núñez, Jota and Luis DÃaz were named among the substitutes, with Fabio Carvalho and Roberto Firmino entering the attack alongside Mohamed Salah.
Klopp had already explained in his pre-match press conference that the club had taken “caution” with Núñez and Jota, with the pair out of training in the build-up.
And speaking before kick-off at Anfield, the manager said: “Darwin and Diogo came home with little things, and the medical department asked me not to start them.”
He added that “they can probably get in” but that he would “have to wait and see”, suggesting that, in an ideal world, he would prefer not to use any of his reserve forwards.
In Diaz’s case, a spot on the bench comes from a late return from duty with Colombia, who played Guatemala and Mexico in friendlies in the United States.
The winger started both ties in New Jersey and California, and was arguably in need of a break having played 90 minutes in each of the last seven games for Liverpool in the Premier League and Champions League.
