Liverpool’s Stamford Bridge Preparations: Nunez’s Status and Injury Updates

Liverpool’s squad was in full swing at the AXA Training Centre this Wednesday, gearing up for the imminent Premier League kick-off. With the season’s curtain-raiser against Chelsea just around the corner, the Merseyside giants are leaving no stone unturned.

Nunez’s Mysterious Absence

The most notable absentee from the recent training photos was Darwin Nunez. After only making a cameo appearance against Darmstadt, many speculated about his potential role against Chelsea. The fact that he was the sole senior forward not to start the game against the German side only fuelled these speculations.

However, inside sources from the club have quashed any injury rumours. It’s believed that Nunez was occupied with media responsibilities at the AXA Training Centre. Given the proximity to the Chelsea clash, any absence now is likely just a precautionary measure. As of now, there’s no indication that Nunez’s availability for Sunday is in jeopardy.

It’s worth noting that Nunez wasn’t the only player missing. Conor Bradley and Nat Phillips were also absent, with Bradley still recovering from a minor injury and Phillips, who’s reportedly on Leeds United’s radar, yet to be seen in team training this summer.

Midfield Reinforcements on the Horizon

There’s good news on the midfield front. Both Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic were seen training with the team. The experienced Spaniard, sidelined since April due to hip surgery, and the young gun, out since March with an adductor issue, are gradually making their way back.

Though they missed the Singapore tour and didn’t feature against Darmstadt, their presence in team training is a positive sign. While they might not be match-ready for Chelsea, their impending return will surely boost Jurgen Klopp’s options, especially with the club’s pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia hitting roadblocks.

In other midfield news, Curtis Jones seems to be in good shape. Despite a minor scare before the Darmstadt game, he participated in training and looks set for the Chelsea encounter. Whether he’ll start is another question.

Salah’s New Training Buddy

Mohamed Salah seems to be forging a new bond. Known for his camaraderie with Dejan Lovren and later with Kostas Tsimikas, Salah appears to be getting along well with new recruit Dominik Szoboszlai. The duo was seen celebrating a football tennis win, hinting at a budding friendship.