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Premier League

Why isn’t Darwin Núñez playing for Liverpool today against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League?

Núñez has been part of The Reds’ rotating cast in support of Mohamed Salah, but misses Tuesday’s trip to face Forest.

Núñez has been part of The Reds’ rotating cast in support of Mohamed Salah, but misses Tuesday’s trip to face Forest.
Matthew ChildsAction Images via Reuters

Tuesday’s Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool is an expected top-of-the-table clash, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s team having the opportunity to move to within three points of the league leaders with a victory at the City Ground. The visitors will be keen to put some distance between themselves and Forest but will be unable to call upon the help of striker Darwin Núñez.

The Uruguayan has been part of Arne Slot’s rotating cast in support of Mohamed Salah, the first name on the team sheet, in attack. Núñez has featured in 15 of Liverpool’s 19 Premier League games, missing the win over Wolves through illness and failing to get off the bench in victories against Ipswich, Crystal Palace and West Ham.

Although he has consistently been involved, he has started only seven times, coming off the bench on eight occasions. The 25-year-old has actually been more of a regular fixture in the lineup in the Champions League, starting four of six league phase games.

The reason Darwin Núñez isn’t playing against Nottingham Forest

Núñez, however, won’t play in part in the midweek clash against Forest at the City Ground due to suspension. The yellow card the forward picked up in the 77th minute of Liverpool’s last league game, the 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United, was his fifth in the Premier League this season, incurring an immediate one-game suspension.

What are the Premier League’s yellow card suspension rules?

Premier League rules state that players who receive five yellow cards at any point in their first 19 games are given a one-match suspension. As the season progresses, any player who is booked 10 times in their first 32 games is then given a two-match ban.

Will Darwin Núñez leave Liverpool in the January transfer window?

Although Núñez is seen as something of a cult hero at Anfield because of his all-action style of play, he has struggled for consistency and been criticised for a lack of composure in front of goal. This season, he has netted just four goals in 26 appearances (14 starts) in all competitions.

Not being a regular starter appears to have invited interest from elsewhere, with Liverpool-focused news outlet Anfield Watch reporting on Tuesday, hours before the Forest game, that the Merseysiders had rejected a bid in the region of £70 million (circa $85 million) from Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal for the Uruguayan international. It is, though, believed the Premier League leaders would allow Núñez to leave for £85 million ($103.5 million).

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