Liverpool suffer Darwin Nunez injury blow as striker pulls out of Uruguay squad

The South Americans confirmed his early exit from their setup on Friday night ahead of friendlies with Japan and South Korea.

Jurgen Klopp had taken Nunez, 23, off during the second half of the Reds’ Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in midweek but did not indicate any fitness issues for his player – instead citing him performing “not at the absolute top level”.

The striker was due a weekend off anyway with Liverpool not in FA Cup or Premier League action.

Both Uruguay and Liverpool gain released statements confirming his release from international duty, and he will undergo treatment at the Reds’ training base.

Reports in Nunez’s homeland indicate he has suffered a slice to his ankle.

Club America forward Jonathan Rodriguez has been named as his replacement in the Uruguay squad.

Liverpool next play on April 1 in a Premier League trip to Manchester City before an away game at Chelsea three days later.