Steven Gerrard launches stinging attack on his own player after Al Ettifaq winger goes AWOL and drives home from match

STEVEN GERRARD has hit out at one of his players after he went AWOL before a game.

The Al Ettifaq manager publicly took aim at Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi following his side’s 0-0 draw with Al-Feiha on Saturday.

GettySteven Gerrard has launched a stinging attack on his own player Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi[/caption]

GettyAl-Kuwaykibi, right, refused to play in Al-Ettifaq’s last game, claiming he was too tired and driving home[/caption]

Al-Kuwaykibi went AWOL before the Saudi Pro League clash and his manager was left fuming with the situation.

The 28-year-old absconded after claiming he was too tired to take the pitch.

But Gerrard was left fuming after the Al Ettifaq medical team had deemed the winger fit to play in the match.

Speaking to the media, he 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 it would seem the club are in full support of their manager after they released a statement showing their backing towards the Liverpool legend.

It read: “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.”

Al-Kuwaykibi has featured in 11 league games so far this season for Gerrard’s side, but has only managed to register one assist and is yet to score.

Al Ettifaq currently sit seventh in the league table some 13 points off league leaders Al-Hilal.