Nunez dropped from Al-Hilal squad following Benzema’s arrival.
Darwin Nunez has been left out of Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema, in what represents a major blow for the former Liverpool forward.
According to Chris Burton of GOAL, the 26-year-old Uruguay international has been omitted from the domestic roster because of foreign player restrictions after the Saudi champions registered the Ballon d’Or-winning French striker.
The report claims: “Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been brutally axed from the Al-Hilal squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema.”
Nunez the casualty of Benzema signing
Al-Hilal are allowed to name only eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man Saudi Pro League squad.
With Benzema occupying one of those slots after his move from Al-Ittihad, there is no longer space for the club’s former No.9 in league competition.
The article adds: “Nunez has been cut from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad… Ballon d’Or winner Benzema has taken one of those spots.”
Although Nunez remains eligible for the AFC Champions League, he now faces the prospect of extended periods on the sidelines domestically unless the situation changes.
Head coach Simone Inzaghi addressed the call openly, admitting it was not straightforward.
“The decision was difficult, but that’s the job of a coach,” he explained.
“Nunez and Pablo are good players… we know the restrictions on registering foreign players… I calmly informed the excluded players of my decision.”
Mixed returns despite decent numbers
The Uruguay international, who departed Liverpool last summer in a £46 million deal after playing a part in a Premier League title triumph, has not endured a disastrous campaign in Saudi Arabia.
Darwin Nunez – 2025/26 Saudi Pro League (Source: Sofascore)
Appearances: 16
Goals: 6
Assists: 4
xG: 11.48
Big chances missed: 14
Goal conversion: 14%
Minutes per goal: 209
Six goals and four assists in 16 league games is respectable on paper.
However, an expected goals figure of 11.48 alongside 14 big chances missed highlights a recurring theme from his time at Anfield — productivity in moments, but inconsistency in front of goal.
The output has been solid enough, yet the efficiency remains questionable.
That mirrors the description once offered by Roddy Collins during his Liverpool spell: “Nunez was mad as a brush but he caused chaos.”
Chaos can be effective — but only when it translates into reliable end product.
A swift change in fortunes
Just days ago, reports suggested Fenerbahce were considering a move to sign Nunez from Al-Hilal, underlining how quickly his standing has shifted.
For a player who left Merseyside as a league champion, having scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool, this marks a sharp downturn.
Statistically, the season has been passable. Convincing, however, it has not.
Now, with Benzema preferred and squad places restricted, Darwin Nunez finds himself on the outside looking in once more.
For a striker who feeds off confidence and momentum, that may prove the most worrying development of all.
