Getty

Big injury worry for Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid showdown as Darwin Nunez exits with shoulder problem

Liverpool saw Darwin Nunez go off with a shoulder problem against Newcastle just three days before Real Madrid visit in the Champions League.

Nunez on target against Newcastle
Picks up shoulder injury in second half
Now an injury worry ahead of Madrid clash

WHAT HAPPENED? Darwin Nunez is facing a battle to be fit in time to face Real Madrid in the first leg of Liverpool's last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday at Anfield. The forward sustained an apparent shoulder problem in a clash with Kieran Tripper in the second half of Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle and was taken off.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Jurgen Klopp said: "The most negative thing was that Darwin [Nunez] had to go off. We have to see how serious that is – hopefully not too much. We have to fight through these things."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Liverpool boss will not want to be without Nunez for the visit of Real Madrid in a game which is a repeat of last season's Champions League final which Los Blancos won 1-0. The Reds are facing a battle to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League, meaning they may need to win the tournament to guarantee their place in Europe's top competition next season.

Article continues below

DID YOU KNOW? Nunez's goal against Newcastle was his first in the Premier League since November 12 when he bagged a brace against Southampton.

IN TWO PHOTOS: