Liverpool give Darwin Nunez a hard time for a three-game streak that will define the Reds season

Liverpool give Darwin Nunez a hard time for a three-game streak that will define the Reds season

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faces a Darwin Nunez dilemma ahead of three season-defining Premier League games in April.

Liverpool’s games don’t get much bigger than the three that face Jurgen Klopp’s side in early April. But the Reds have given Darwin Nunez a headache when the season break begins as he continues to warm up in England.

A few months ago, Nunez, who hasn’t been in his best physical form in the big games, may not have caused much concern given Liverpool’s attacking options and his departure erratic following an £85million move from Benfica.

But now he is seen as a crucial part of Klopp’s plans at Anfield, scoring four goals in as many games, including a brace in Sunday’s 7-0 win over Manchester United. And there will be concerns Nunez will not be at his best in April due to the impending international break, an unwelcome distraction for Premier League managers.

Barring a Champions League miracle in Madrid next week, Liverpool won’t have the Premier League to focus on until April as they battle for a place in the top four.

And what better way to set the mood than to score good results at Manchester City and Chelsea before hosting leaders Arsenal at Anfield?

This is the three-game run that awaits Klopp and company after the international break, but it will be a busier schedule for Nunez than most.

The 23-year-old is to complete a 13,000-mile round trip, just days before Liverpool’s trip to Man City on April 1. Uruguay will play friendlies against Japan on March 24 and South Korea on March 28, giving Nunez little time to rest before the blockbuster at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool-City’s 12.30 kick-off on Saturday afternoon did not help Klopp’s cause, giving Nunez even less time to return to Merseyside from his international job.

The Reds start to settle with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Nunez as their top three favourites.

All three scored in United’s break, with Roberto Firmino coming on too late to add a seventh off the bench.

Firmino could replace Nunez for City, with Diogo Jota also an option for Klopp and Luis Diaz still returning from injury. A monumental win against title chasers Pep Guardiola would put Liverpool into the top four, leapfrogging Tottenham Hotspur and just four points behind third-placed United.