Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win at West Ham highlighted a major talking point as Mohamed Salah started on the bench for the first time in a Premier League match since April 2024. Arne Slot decided after a difficult run of nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions, and while the move drew attention, the Liverpool manager praised Salah’s reaction, calling him a “top professional.”
Salah has struggled for goals this season, with only four in the league, a contrast to last year when he won the Golden Boot with 29. Slot acknowledged that it was a “fair assumption” to say Salah was unhappy about being an unused substitute at London Stadium. Even so, the manager emphasized that emotional reactions are expected from players of Salah’s calibre. Slot said, “That’s a normal reaction from a player that’s good enough to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for the future.” He added that Salah was not the only one disappointed about not starting, something Slot views as completely normal within a competitive squad.
Despite the frustration, Slot highlighted Salah’s discipline and steady conduct during the days following the decision. “He is so disciplined – he knows what to do to stay fit,” Slot said. “No matter if he plays well or if he doesn’t play well, if he plays or doesn’t play, he will always be that top professional, and that’s what he was in the last two days.” Slot also noted that every player goes through phases, reminding fans that Salah has delivered countless goals for Liverpool and remains key to their future.
What does Salah’s Afcon departure mean for Liverpool?
Slot confirmed that Salah will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on 15 December, with his final Liverpool appearance before the tournament expected on 13 December against Brighton. If Egypt reach the final on 18 January 2026, Salah would not return until 19 January at the earliest. This timeline means he could miss up to seven matches, including the crucial clash against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 8 January. Slot stressed that Liverpool must prepare to compete without him, saying, “We have to find a way to play without him because he won’t be here.”
The absence comes at a challenging moment. Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, and their form has been inconsistent. The team has also fallen in their last two home matches, placing added pressure ahead of Wednesday’s home fixture against Sunderland. Regis Le Bris’ side sit above Liverpool in the table and will be aiming for their first league win at Anfield since 1983. Liverpool’s right flank looked more secure at West Ham with Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez operating in a 4-2-3-1 setup, a tactical shift Slot may revisit as he looks to stabilize results.
Can Liverpool regain momentum without their star forward?
As the club prepares for fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds, Slot has not confirmed whether Salah will be rested again before Afcon. What remains clear is that Salah’s professionalism, even when benched, continues to set a standard within the squad. Liverpool now faces the dual challenge of improving their league position and adapting to life temporarily without one of their most influential players.
By Yockshard Enyendi