Darwin Nunez hands Liverpool boost in surprise international return despite ban
Liverpool has potentially been handed a boost after Darwin Nunez got some minutes in his legs for Uruguay against Peru.
The Reds star looked set to miss Uruguay's games against Peru and Ecuador due to being banned for an altercation with a spectator during their clash against Colombia at the Copa America in the summer. However, Uruguay is appealing the ban, allowing Nunez to feature in their World Cup qualifying matches against Peru and Ecuador.
And while Nunez and Uruguay lost 1-0 to Peru when Miguel Araujo scored in the 88th minute, the Liverpool forward managed to play the whole game, getting some minutes in his legs after featuring little so far for Arne Slot.
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According to Uruguayan outlet El Observador, Nunez played ok during the Peru clash, with them giving him a six out of 10 rating. They wrote in their match ratings: "After 11 minutes he was the protagonist of a great counterattack that Valverde was unable to transform into a goal-scoring opportunity.
"Two minutes later he won the ball with a header in the area and the goalkeeper got the shot. He tried but was stifled in his intentions because they never played into his hands enough to change the score."
To put Nunez's six into context, former Manchester United forward Facundo Pellistri was given a four, while Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, one of the best in the world at his position, was given a three out of 10.
So far this term, Nunez has scored just one goal in limited minutes for the Reds. However, it was an excellent strike from the 25-year-old, who netted a stunner during Liverpool's 3-0 win over Bournemouth last month.
Liverpool.com says: "With how Liverpool has performed so far this term, they haven't really needed Darwin Nunez to produce. However, first choice striker Diogo Jota has only managed to play one real full season during his five years at Anfield. Last term he made 21 appearances in the Premier League, while the campaign before that, he made 22.
"Chances are at some point, Liverpool may have to rely upon Nunez to lead the line if Jota can't stay fit - so him getting some minutes in his legs for Uruguay could be a boost to the Reds and Slot."