Darwin Nunez's World Cup problem laid bare as Uruguayan media in agreement

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Darwin Nunez was hooked at half-time as Uruguay drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, with Uruguayan media in agreement over the free agent's fitness problemNunez was hauled off at half-time against Saudi Arabia(Image: Getty Images)Uruguayan press outlets were in agreement about Darwin Nunez's struggles after being withdrawn at half-time during his nation's World Cup draw with Saudi Arabia. Nunez, who is reportedly being pursued for a sensational Anfield comeback, featured in the starting XI that produced a lacklustre opening 45 minutes against the Saudis, who went ahead courtesy of Abdulelah Al-Amri's 41st-minute strike in Miami.Head coach Marcelo Bielsa made alterations at the break, withdrawing the ineffectual Nunez alongside Matias Vina.

The substitutions proved effective as Uruguay transformed after the restart, pinning the Saudis back and eventually drawing level through Maxi Araujo in the 80th minute.Regarding Nunez, who could find himself relegated to substitute duties when Uruguay meet Cape Verde in their upcoming fixture, his absence of influence and match fitness was attributed to limited playing opportunities at Al Hilal, the Saudi club he transferred to from Liverpool last summer - while a return to Anfield has been tentatively mooted.Following a challenging introduction to the Saudi Pro League, Nunez was understood to be disappointed when Al-Hilal recruited Karim Benzema, which relegated him further down the hierarchy. Nunez is currently available as a free agent following a mutual agreement to terminate his deal.El Observador noted that "he showed the effects of the lack of competition he had suffered throughout the year.", reports the Liverpool Echo.The publication was considerably more critical of the opening 45 minutes overall, describing it as "restricted, restrained, cautious, timid and harmless" while bemoaning "two dropped points" despite a "radically changed" attitude after the interval.Darwin Nunez had a night to forget as Uruguay began their World Cup campaign(Image: Getty Images)La Diaria echoed similar sentiments, noting: "Both [Nunez and Vina] players left the pitch with the feeling that they lacked match fitness and competitive edge."It continued: "Nunez, as we know, because he had been out of action for too long."La Pais, meanwhile, awarded Nunez a modest 4/10 rating.

However, some allowance was made for his limited influence.The outlet observed: "The striker received little support, which meant he didn't have the desired impact in the Saudi Arabian penalty area, although his movement did create space for [Federico] Vinas. He didn't come out for the second half."Fan ratings on La Pais reflected a comparable assessment, with the majority of respondents awarding him 4/10, 5/10 or below.Since leaving Al-Hilal, Nunez has been touted for a Premier League comeback, with Uruguayan outlet Carve Deportiva suggesting a possible return to Anfield.