Arne Slot has reaffirmed Darwin Nunez's importance to Liverpool’s plans, despite the striker's recent struggles, including a below-par performance in the Champions League victory against Girona.

Nunez, currently enduring a scoring slump, has netted just once in his last 10 appearances and only three times this season. In Tuesday’s match, the Uruguayan appeared frustrated after missing several opportunities before being substituted in the 71st minute. Slot revealed he had extended Nunez’s playing time in hopes of boosting his confidence with a goal.

Following criticism, Nunez took to Instagram, writing, "They are not all; they are some. Thank you, Reds, for your support, we are all still together.” Slot believes the 25-year-old requires support from fans and teammates to regain the form that once made him a standout at Benfica before his 2022 move to Anfield.

“All our players feel the support of our fans, but he is definitely one of them,” Slot said on Friday. “Mo [Salah] is scoring so many goals; he likes the support but doesn’t really need it right now. For Darwin, everyone—teammates, fans, and myself—needs to show him that arm around the shoulder.”

Slot emphasized that Nunez contributes beyond goals, praising his work rate and ability to press high up the pitch. “I made it clear to him that he is not only judged on the goals he scores but also on his impact on the team’s overall performance. He adds value through his effort and determination.”

Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed that Paul Onuachu is fit and available for selection once again. The Nigerian striker has not featured for the Saints since picking up an injury during their Premier League match against Liverpool last month.

As Southampton prepares to host Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on Sunday, Martin revealed that Onuachu will be included in the matchday squad.

"Jan Bednarek’s back, Paul Onuachu’s back, which is really good, and apart from that, we’re all good," Martin said during a press conference.

Onuachu, who has yet to score in 16 league appearances since joining Southampton, has faced challenges in finding the net. However, Martin expressed his appreciation for the striker’s contribution to the team, despite his goal drought.

"Paul gives us a real alternative option that’s different from anyone in the squad and most people in the league actually," Martin added. "He was really unfortunate with the timing of his injury, as he was in such a good place and was going to really help us. Now, he’s going to help us moving forward."

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim praised three key players who played pivotal roles in the team’s 2-1 comeback victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Red Devils secured their win at Doosan Arena thanks to a brace from Rasmus Højlund. After the match, Amorim highlighted the impactful performances of Højlund, Antony, and Mason Mount, crediting them for turning the game around.

“Højlund, but also Antony and Mason Mount, changed the game,” Amorim said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “They are there to do that, so I’m very pleased with them and very happy with their performances.”

With the Europa League fixture behind them, Manchester United now shifts focus to the Premier League, where they are set to face rivals Manchester City in a highly anticipated derby at the Etihad on Sunday.

Cyriel Dessers is reportedly set to leave Rangers when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Nigerian forward has struggled to win the support of many Rangers fans since his move from Italian club Cremonese last summer. Dessers recently lost his starting spot to Brazilian forward Danilo and Moroccan Hamza Igamane.

According to Ibrox Noise, Dessers is already contemplating his future at the Scottish club. Rangers turned down an offer from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United for the former Feyenoord player during the summer transfer window.

Rangers are reportedly only willing to entertain offers around the £6m they paid for Dessers.