BREAKING NEWS: Arne Slot Explains Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez’s Absence as Liverpool Fall to AC Milan.
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations took an unexpected turn as the Reds suffered a narrow defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong. However, the major talking point wasn’t just the result, but the surprise omission of two key players – Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez – who were left out of Arne Slot’s matchday squad entirely.
Speaking after the match, Arne Slot addressed the concerns of anxious Liverpool supporters who feared injuries to two of their attacking stars. Slot explained that the absences were due to different circumstances, easing some of the growing speculation around the duo.
On Luis Diaz, Slot confirmed that the Colombian winger was not involved because of what he described as a “precautionary” measure. Diaz has been one of Liverpool’s most explosive players in pre-season training, but the manager revealed that a minor muscle tightness forced the medical staff to advise against risking him in the high-intensity clash against Milan.
“Luis felt some tightness after the last training session. It’s nothing serious, but at this stage of pre-season, we can’t afford to take unnecessary risks. We expect him to be back very soon, probably even in the next game,” Slot said.
For Darwin Nunez, the reason was slightly different. Slot revealed that the Uruguayan striker had been dealing with fatigue following the Reds’ demanding travel schedule and intense training sessions. Rather than risk burnout, the coaching team opted to rest the forward completely to ensure he is fresh for the upcoming fixtures.
“Darwin has trained very hard, and with the travelling, we noticed some signs of fatigue. We want him at 100 percent, so we decided to give him a rest. He’s fine, and there’s no injury concern there either,” Slot added.
Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that both absences were precautionary rather than due to major injuries. However, the defeat against AC Milan exposed some of the Reds’ attacking frailties without the pace and energy of Diaz and the direct goal threat of Nunez.
The game itself saw Liverpool dominate possession for large spells but struggle to convert their chances. AC Milan took advantage of a defensive lapse to secure a 1-0 win, leaving Slot with plenty to think about as the new Premier League season edges closer.
This pre-season has been a crucial test for Slot, who is looking to impose his style and tactics on the team following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. The absence of two key forwards gave the Dutch manager an opportunity to assess the depth of his squad, with youngsters and fringe players stepping in to fill the gap.
Despite the defeat, Slot remained optimistic:
“Results are not the most important thing right now. We are building fitness, cohesion, and understanding. With Luis and Darwin back, we’ll be much stronger going into the next games.”
Liverpool’s next pre-season test will be closely watched as fans eagerly await the return of Diaz and Nunez. The Reds are expected to face a busy schedule leading into the start of the Premier League, and Slot will be hoping to have his full attacking force available to hit the ground running.
For now, the message from the manager is clear: no major concerns, just careful management of two of Liverpool’s most vital players. The Reds’ faithful will be hoping that both Diaz and Nunez return firing on all cylinders when the season begins.
