Mohamed Salah has been excluded from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League match against Inter Milan, following an explosive interview where he criticized his relationship with head coach Arne Slot and his treatment by the club. The decision to drop Salah comes after Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds, a game where Salah was an unused substitute, marking his third consecutive match starting on the bench.
Salah's outburst followed the Leeds game, where he claimed to reporters that he felt "thrown under the bus" by Slot and that there was no longer a relationship between them. He also alluded to broken promises from the club and suggested that someone within the club wanted him to take the blame for the team's poor form. "Sitting on the bench, I don't know why, it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus," Salah said. "That's how I feel it". He added, "I think it's very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame".
The club maintains that Salah's omission from the squad is a selection issue, not a disciplinary one. However, sources indicate that the decision to exclude him was made in consultation with Slot, in the best interests of the player, the squad, and the club. The club believes that any other response would have undermined Slot's authority, especially as he tries to steer the team out of a slump. Liverpool has only managed to win four of their last 15 matches.
Salah's absence compounds Slot's selection problems, with Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Wataru Endo also unavailable due to fitness issues. As a result, Slot has only named a 19-man squad for the trip to Milan.
Salah's future at Liverpool is now uncertain. He signed a new two-year contract in April, worth around £350,000 per week. However, his recent comments suggest he might be considering a departure. He hinted that the upcoming match against Brighton could be his last at Anfield, instructing his family to be present. "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations," he added. "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there". Liverpool are reportedly "open-minded" about Salah's future and a potential transfer in January.
The situation has drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United after his critical interview. Like Ronaldo, Salah has voiced his displeasure with his role and relationship with the manager, leading to speculation about his future.
Salah is scheduled to join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after this week's matches. His future at Liverpool remains uncertain upon his return.
