Darwin Nunez brutally axed from Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad after failed transfer

Darwin Nunez has been axed from Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following a failed move to Turkey.

The Uruguayan completed a £46m switch to the Middle East last summer and has since started 14 of their 19 league matches, scoring six times.

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However, the former Liverpool man pushed to secure a move to Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce during the winter transfer window, who in turn were looking to sign a replacement for Youssef En-Nesyri.

The Moroccan moved to Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad earlier this month after Karim Benzema completed a switch to Al Hilal.

Nunez’s move to Fenerbahce, though, fell through, by which point Benzema had already been assigned the former’s squad place.

As such, the 26-year-old will be unable to play in league matches for Al Hilal for the rest of the season.

Nunez will be available for Asian Champions League matches, with the Saudi side next in action against Al-Wahda in the competition next week.

The Uruguay international isn’t the only player to have been axed from Al Hilal’s league squad, with Pablo Mari also dropped.

Keys to the Benz

While Nunez will be unable to add to his six league goals this season, Benzema made a flying start to life with Al Hilal.

The Frenchman bagged a hat-trick as Al Hilal claimed a 6-0 win at Al Akhdoud.

Al Hilal currently find themselves in second place in the Saudi Pro League, two points behind league leaders Al Nassr.

Simone Inzaghi‘s side do have a game in hand over the league leaders.

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Al Hilal are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Al-Ettifaq to the Kingdom Arena.

A win for Al Hilal would take them back to the top of the Saudi Pro League table ahead of Al Nassr’s match on Sunday.

Jorge Jesus’ side travel to Al Fateh to round off the weekend’s action, and the Al Nassr head coach is expected to be able to call upon Cristiano Ronaldo for Sunday’s clash.

Ronaldo sat out recent wins over Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad after the Portugal captain went on strike as a result of Benzema’s move to Al Hilal.

The 41-year-old also missed the AFC Champions League win over FK Arkadag in midweek.

He is, though. set to return to the squad this weekend.