Inzaghi's Bold Shuffle: Nunez Out, Benzema In as Al Hilal Eye Al Ettifaq Clash

Key lineup decisions ahead of the Al Hilal clash

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi revealed why Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez was left out of Al Hilal's local squad, while praising French star Karim Benzema.

Inzaghi also left out two foreign players, Pablo Mari and Darwin Nunez, keeping Benzema and Brazilian Marcos Leonardo in the squad for the remainder of the season.

In a Thursday press conference, he said the decision was not easy and that he would have preferred Nunez and Mari to remain in the local squad, but roster regulations dictated otherwise.

On Benzema, the coach added: "He is a big player and a champion; he does not need a hat-trick to prove himself. Everyone knows who Karim is, and his presence will add to us in all aspects."

Ahead of the Al Ettifaq clash

He also spoke about the upcoming match with Al Ettifaq: "It will be a tough game against a team that has lost only twice in the last 14, but we prepared well and our aim is to win."

This comes ahead of Al Hilal's Friday game against Al Ettifaq, in Round 22 of the Saudi Pro League.

Punchlines: "If this squad had a spare bench, the league would file a union complaint about overworking it."

"And if in doubt, blame the lineup on the espresso—coaches do coffee the right way in Saudi Arabia."