Marcelo Bielsa replaced Liverpool star Darwin Nunez to prevent an injury

Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has explained that Liverpool forward Darwin Nunes was substituted against Ecuador as a preventative measure.

Nunez was in fine form in the 3-1 win over Chile, as he provided two assists, but he was surprisingly subbed off in the next game against Ecuador.

Uruguay were level at 1-1 with Ecuador on Tuesday in their World Cup qualifier, when Bielsa opted to replace Nunez at half-time.

Bielsa's charges went on to lose 2-1 after Felix Torres completed his brace for the hosts.

The decision to sub the Liverpool star caught many off-guard, but Bielsa has explained that he didn't want to push the player too hard after his efforts against Chile due to a muscular issue.

"Darwin arrived with some muscular difficulties and this limited his actions," said Bielsa.

"I thought it necessary to replace him because he worked too much trying to press and attack in the last game."

Uruguay's next clash is against Colombia at Estadio Metropolitano on 12 October.

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