Darwin Nunez a doubt for Real Madrid clash

Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Darwin Nunez ahead of their Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan striker suffered a blow to his right shoulder during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United and was replaced by Roberto Firmino just before the hour mark.

Nunez was instrumental in his side’s win over the weekend, opening the scoring in the 10th minute after being played through by Trent Alexander Arnold, ending a six-game goal drought in the league.

However, a clash with Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier saw Nunez suffer a shoulder injury before being replaced as a precautionary measure.

The former Benfica man is in a race to be fit for Liverpool’s crunch tie with the reigning European champions on Tuesday night.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League tie, Klopp admitted the striker is in pain from the injury but did not confirm if he will be available for Tuesday.

“The bad news is that Darwin has something on his shoulder, that’s why I replaced him,” Klopp said (via SPORT). 

“I don’t know right now [if Nunez will be available]. We need to evaluate him further. We just know that he’s in pain, but we hope it’s just that and nothing more.”

Nunez has struggled this season, but the Uruguay international will be a huge miss for the Reds if he misses the crunch tie.

The striker has registered a goal and an assist in his last two games, taking his tally to six goals and three assists in 13 Premier League games. 

His goalscoring prowess has also been on show in European, with three goals in six Champions League games.