Darwin Nunez dropped from Al-Hilal squad as ex-Liverpool striker suffers blow

Darwin Nunez has been excluded from Al-Hilal's squad following Karim Benzema's arrival, with the former Liverpool striker now eligible to play just five more games this season for the Saudi Pro League team

Darwin Nunez will play few minutes over the next six months(Image: Getty Images)

Darwin Nunez has been left out in the cold in Saudi Arabia, as the former Liverpool striker was dropped from Al-Hilal's squad to make way for Karim Benzema.

The 26-year-old star departed the Reds after making a mere eight starts during the Reds' title-winning 2024-25 season. Liverpool took a substantial loss on the £85 million ($143.2 million) deal it had initially agreed with Benfica to bring him to Anfield.

Since his transfer to the Middle East, Nunez has netted seven goals in 23 matches for the Saudi Pro League team, but he was cut from the 25-man squad following the acquisition of Benzema.

Saudi clubs are restricted to eight foreign players born before 2003 in the squad, and with Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, joining during the winter window, Nunez has found himself surplus to requirements.

This means that the ex-Benfica player is only eligible to participate in five more matches this season - all in the AFC Champions League.

"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," said Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al-Hilal, after Nunez and former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari were omitted from the 25-man squad.

"He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session.

Nunez has been left out of Al-Hilal's squad(Image: Getty Images)

"Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players.

"We couldn't register Marcos Leonardo as a player born in Saudi Arabia.

"Time was of the essence, and I made the difficult decision. I calmly informed the excluded players of my decision."

Benzema, 38, turned down the opportunity to secure a contract extension with Al-Ittihad to pursue a move to Al-Hilal.

He further commented: "Everyone knows Benzema. He's a great champion.

"He doesn't need to score a hat-trick to show his potential.

"We're happy to have him in the team - he benefits us in every aspect, not just on the pitch."