Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions that Darwin Nunez is struggling for confidence amid reports linking the striker with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Uruguay international has managed just two goals in 15 Premier League games this season, with his last goal in the competition coming against Aston Villa in November.
There has been speculation that Nunez could be ready to move to the Saudi Pro League this month, however those reports are understood to be misplaced, with Liverpool yet to receive any offers in January for the 25-year-old.
Nunez missed Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest through suspension but is in line to return to the matchday squad against Brentford on Saturday.
Asked if the striker is low on confidence, Slot said: “I don't think he is struggling with self-confidence.
“He was involved against Accrington Stanley in the first goal, he was involved against Fulham in the goal. [Diogo] Jota scored and scored one against Southampton. After that, he didn't have many outings.
“For me, it's the life of a striker. Sometimes he scores, sometimes he doesn't. He hasn't started every game. The most important thing is that we, as a team, can score in every game and there are only two games This season we didn't score.
“That tells me that we have goals in our team. Darwin will score his goals as he already did for this club. I don't see him struggling as much and he has still been involved in the goals.”
Nunez's return from suspension has come at a good time for Liverpool, with Jota a doubt for Liverpool's trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Portugal international scored just 22 seconds after coming off the bench against Forest, but did not attend training on Thursday and could miss the clash against Thomas Frank's team.
“It's not certain that he will be available for tomorrow,” Slot said.
“He felt a little discomfort during the half hour he was in [against Forest]he was able to finish the game but he was complaining [about it] thereafter. “That's why he didn't train on Thursday.”
The Liverpool boss also insisted his team has the tools to compete in the Premier League, despite the club's spending not reaching the levels of some of its biggest rivals, including defending champions Manchester City.
“We know how good we have to be every day to compete in this league,” Slot said. “It's not about this club [City]Chelsea have also spent £1.2 billion and Manchester United have spent an incredible amount.
“Every team spends a lot of money here, which is why it's such an interesting league to be a part of. Some seasons this club spends more, other seasons other clubs do. That's what makes winning this so intense and difficult.” league. That's also why we all want to be here, we want to compete against the best.
“We're very happy with the team we have right now and we can still compete with these teams that are spending an incredible amount of money.”
