Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has stood up for Darwin Nunez amid speculation of Saudi Arabian interest in the Uruguayan, who could return to action this weekend after being suspended for the trip to Nottingham Forest.

Nunez has only scored four times since Slot arrived on Merseyside and he has been struggling for minutes, leading to claims — including from Anfield Watch — that he could move to Al Hilal. Diogo Jota began the season as the first-choice option in the center of the Liverpool attack and Luis Diaz has since played there as well.

"It's your perception, not mine, that he is struggling for confidence," Slot said during his press conference. "He was involved in goals against Accrington and Fulham and he scored versus Southampton.

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"So for me, it's the life of a striker. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don't, and he hasn't started every week. We scored in every game except for Spurs in the cup [and Nottingham Forest at home], so that tells me we have goals in our team. Darwin will score like he has done already. I don't see him struggling that much as you see it."

Slot was also asked about Cody Gakpo's form, plus whether he feels Diaz's influence down the middle has waned in recent weeks. "I agree that Cody is in a good place, so sometimes we agree," Slot said.

"Diaz has done well as a nine. Even before the break, it was a very good performance and afterward, Diaz played there three more games — United, Spurs, Forest.

"We have created chances as a team, and that's important. I am happy if we play Diaz if we play him as a nine or 11. Sometimes Mo scores. Last three games he's only scored a penalty. In general, we score a lot of goals and create a lot of chances."

Liverpool.com says: There could be a decision to be made on Nunez in the summer but the idea that he would move on now, unless an offer came in that was truly insane, doesn't seem likely. Liverpool would need to get a replacement otherwise there wouldn't be any point. Selling him would be a risk, not least with Diogo Jota's injury history.