Steven Gerrard seethes as dumbfounded Rangers hero sees mutineer ABSCOND and fuming Ettifaq go public

Upset Al-Ettifaq have thrown their weight behind Steven Gerrard after the former Rangers boss slammed one of his star men for absconding before their latest setback.

The 43-year-old could barely contain his anger after Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi made himself unavailable for the game against Al-Feiha by claiming he was too tired to play the Saudi Pro League game. The Liverpool icon admits he is seeking answers over the shock departure of one of his key men amid a run of one win in their last six games.

A miffed Gerrard said: "He got in his car and went home without permission. He was analysed by the doctor, the doctor said he was good to train but he got in his car and said he was tired and went home. I am still looking for reasons and answers as to why he wasn't here to help us today."

And the club – via an official spokesperson – have warned previous offender Al Kuwaykibi they are backing Gerrard and voiced their displeasure in no uncertain terms as Ettifaq's season threatens to implode after a bright start to life in Saudi for the man who secured title glory at Ibrox in 2021 after an undefeated Premiership campaign.

Ettifaq stated: "We refuse to criticise the team's coach, as this is not the first time that Muhammad Al-Kuwaykibi has taken the same position. In Al-Nasr's first match in the league, he missed the main exercises with the same excuse."

Meanwhile, Gerrard is craving the return of Moussa Dembele after he watched his side fire blanks for a fourth time in five games against former Rangers star Fashion Sakala's Al-Feiha. He added: “I think it’s obvious we’re missing a centre-forward if you’ve looked at our last three or four performances. Moussa is always going to be missed, and I’m hoping that if the next week