'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAb/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMtrgrr/xAAdEAACAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwEEEQAhIlFx/9oACAEBAAE/AG3UHevzYoqY4xUpJwUrhRSfkeDm/OVb7BrKjB6CPfP/xAAaEQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBUHw/9oACAECAQE/AMggFKdoT//EABsRAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMEBjLw/9oACAEDAQE/AMcmeb9kdsQv/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has returned to training ahead of his side's clash with Southampton on Sunday (May 28).
Nunez has sat out the Merseysiders' past two fixtures due to a toe injury. Jurgen Klopp's side beat Leicester City 3-0 but were then held to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
However, Liverpool Echo reports that Nunez has been back in training today (May 23) with his teammates. The Uruguayan frontman is ready to throw himself back into action as Klopp's side continues their unlikely pursuit of a top-four finish.
The Anfield outfit are fifth in the league, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by three points. The Red Devils only need a point against Chelsea on Thursday to secure Champions League qualification.
Despite this, Nunez's return is a welcome boost regardless of whether Liverpool are out of the top-four race by the time they clash with the Saints. He has featured 42 times across competitions this season, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists.
Nunez joined Klopp's side from Benfica last summer for a club-record £85 million including add-ons. He struggled in the earlier stages of the season but has started to flourish in the Merseysiders' frontline.
Liverpool face a Southampton side that have already suffered relegation from the Premier League. They will head into the encounter at St Mary's as heavy favorites.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson pays tribute to Roberto Firmino and James Milner
Roberto Firmino and James Milner will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season when their contracts expire. They are long-standing servants of the Merseyside club and have become Kop legends.
The duo were part of the Liverpool sides that won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Firmino has bagged 110 goals in 361 appearances across competitions. Meanwhile, Milner has racked up 72 goal contributions in 331 games.
Jordan Henderson has touched on the pair's exits from the club by lauding them for their contributions. He told the club's official website that he had difficulties watching them get a guard of honor during the 1-1 draw with Villa:
“It’s really sad to see [Firmino] and the other lads go. It was really difficult for me to stand and watch them come through the guard of honour and receive the reception they did. It’s pretty emotional for me as well."
Henderson also discussed the duo's performances against the Villains. Firmino stepped off the bench to score a crucial equalizer:
“I think the level of his [Milner’s] performance is still really high, he came on and made such a difference—same as Bobby. We’ve just got to wish them the best of luck now because whatever clubs they do choose they are getting two amazing players.”
Firmino is yet to make a decision over his next club but has plenty of suitors including Barcelona. Milner has decided to join Brighton & Hove Albion as a free agent, per Fabrizio Romano.
