Darwin Nunez's nightmare finally ends as ex-Liverpool star's valuation takes major hit

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Former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez appears poised to end his lengthy absence from competitive action this week. Nunez left the Reds last summer to seal a permanent switch to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Nunez contributed to Liverpool's Premier League title triumph in his final campaign at Anfield, netting seven goals across 47 outings in all competitions before joining Al Hilal in a £46million deal.

Since his Liverpool exit, Nunez has experienced a uncertain spell in Saudi Arabia, with the striker being unregistered by Al Hilal last month following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

This has meant that Nunez has been unable to participate in Saudi Pro League fixtures since early February, and has been limited to just two outings in the AFC Champions League , which operates under different registration regulations to the Saudi Arabian top tier.

Nunez's latest appearance for Al Hilal came on February 16 in a 2-1 victory over Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League, where the former Liverpool forward netted both goals.

Al Hilal were due to meet Qatar-based side Al Sadd in the last-16 of the tournament earlier this month but both legs were postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Now, Nunez has received a call-up to the Uruguay squad, which will see the striker in the frame to represent his nation in friendly fixtures against England and Algeria over the coming days.

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Since departing Liverpool, Nunez has witnessed his market value gradually decline. When Nunez parted ways with the Reds, the forward was valued at £39m on Transfermarkt. However, that valuation has now dropped to £30m, despite the Uruguayan international netting nine goals for his new club this season.

Nunez's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, especially during the January transfer window , when there were rumours of a possible departure from Al Hilal.

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Reports suggested that Nunez was drawing interest from Fenerbahce as the striker was linked with a return to Europe just months after leaving Merseyside.

Nunez will be returning to English soil this week as Uruguay take on England in a pre-World Cup friendly on Friday evening at Wembley Stadium.

This could mark Nunez's first appearance in over a month, where the ex-Liverpool striker will be eager to find the back of the net for his country.