Arne Slot reveals why Darwin Nunez was really left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad against West Ham

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Liverpool beat West Ham on Sunday to move within six points of winning the Premier League title.

The Reds made life difficult for themselves against the Hammers, but a last minute header from Virgil van Dijk gave them the points.

It had looked like being a comfortable day at Anfield when Luis Diaz put Liverpool 1-0 up inside 15 minutes.

But Arne Slot’s team looked like they let nerves get the better of them as they allowed West Ham back into it. In the end, no damage was done and Liverpool put themselves within touching distance of the title.

One of the bigger talking points from the day came before a ball had even been kicked, with Darwin Nunez omitted from Slot’s matchday squad.

Nunez did not appear injured as he took his seat at Anfield on Sunday, though, and Slot was asked to explain what was going on during his post-match press conference.

Darwin Nunez misses out through illness

Nunez has had a tough time of things recently. The Uruguayan looks destined for the exit door this summer.

And having failed to make the squad on Sunday, some supporters were left wondering whether something had happened behind the scenes with Darwin.

But, asked to clarify the 25-year-old’s absence after the game, Slot confirmed a simple case of illness had kept Nunez from being involved.

“He didn’t feel well yesterday [during training] so he went in,” said the Liverpool head coach.

READ MORE: What Virgil van Dijk did after scoring winner for Liverpool vs West Ham and how ‘animated’ Arne Slot reacted

“That’s why he couldn’t be with the team today.”

With another week to recover before Liverpool’s next fixture, Nunez should then be back fit to face Leicester.

Any other injury problems for Liverpool?

Nunez was sat alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold to watch Sunday’s game, with the right-back still not fit to return to action himself.

Aside from Trent and Nunez, Joe Gomez is another player still on the Anfield treatment table.

Besides that trio, however, Liverpool appear to be at full compliment, with no further injuries picked up on Sunday.

Usually used to seeing many of the team go down with issues by this stage of the season, it is a nice change for supporters to see everyone healthy and well.

Darwin should be back for Leicester, but it remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold or Gomez follow.