Liverpool news as Darwin Nunez transfer reality clear and Hugo Ekitike acts

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has taken a drastic mental health step during his Achilles injury recovery, while astonishing Darwin Nunez return rumors have been firmly dismissed by the Merseyside clubDarwin Nunez has been linked with a return to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Replacing Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's primary transfer objective since former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola took charge at Anfield.The Reds have been connected with several wingers in the build-up to the new season – including Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola, and Victor Munoz. It appears that the latter is on the verge of joining Liverpool after the Reds triggered his release clause at Osauna.Focus has now turned to the striker position, where injuries and player exits have left the club worryingly light on options.

Here, Liverpool.com examines two major stories involving the Reds.Ekitike takes actionHugo Ekitike has taken the drastic step of pretending soccer no longer exists as he battles back from a horrific Achilles injury that wrecked his World Cup dreams.The 23-year-old suffered the blow during Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain in April. Further examinations revealed he had torn his Achilles tendon, necessitating an operation that will sideline him for the rest of the year.The blow proved especially devastating for Ekitike, who had harbored ambitions of earning selection for France's World Cup squad after a prolific campaign for the Reds.Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon in April(Image: Getty Images)According to French publication L'Equipe, the striker has endured "immense pain" in the months following the injury and, in a bid to safeguard his mental wellbeing, has acted as though football "ceased to exist."The strategy seems to be working, with Liverpool understood to be satisfied with his rehabilitation progress thus far.Posting on social media after his injury setback was confirmed, a disheartened Ekitike shared: "It's hard, maybe even unfair.

I'm not alone."Nunez transfer latestWhile Liverpool grapples with Ekitike's extended absence, supporters were momentarily presented with what seemed a surprising remedy – the comeback of former Anfield favorite Darwin Nunez.Claims surfacing from Uruguay suggested the Reds were poised to bring back the 27-year-old on a free transfer, with a formal announcement reportedly scheduled for after his nation's World Cup participation.The rumor rapidly spread across social media after well-regarded Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero informed his X followers that Nunez was heading back to Anfield, sparking enthusiasm among certain Liverpool fans.However, the response behind closed doors has been markedly different, with club sources telling the Liverpool ECHO they were puzzled by the claim.Nunez's representatives have also privately dismissed the reports as inaccurate. The speculation was especially unexpected, given that it is less than a year since the Uruguay international departed Merseyside to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Darwin NúñezHugo EkitikeLiverpool FCFIFA World CupTransfers