Roberto Firmino ditched by Al-Ahli! Ex-Liverpool star left out of squad for rest of Saudi Pro League season as €50m signing Galeno takes his place

Roberto Firmino will not be eligible to play in the Saudi Pro League again this season after Al-Ahli de-registered him from their squad.

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• Firmino can't play for his club in league
• Dropped to make way for Galeno
• May feature in Champions League

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Al-Ahli submitted an updated squad list after the completion of the January transfer window and Firmino has not been included. On deadline day, the club signed Galeno, a Brazilian winger, and Firmino has been axed to make way for him. Saudi clubs are allowed 10 foreign players, and two must be under the age of 21. Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney are registered but now Firmino has dropped out.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the ex-Liverpool man will not be eligible to play in the Pro League, he can play in the Champions League. Al-Ahli have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

• WHAT AL-AHLI SAID

  Manager Matthias Jaissle said: "It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules.

  "We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He's still one of our leaders."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Firmino has a contract until 2026 but it remains to be seen if he will seek an exit after being locked out of league football until the end of the season.