Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a significant decision by benching star winger Mohamed Salah for the upcoming match against Sunderland on Wednesday, marking the first time Salah has been sidelined for two consecutive Premier League games. This bold move comes after Salah’s performance in the current season, where he has scored four goals and provided two assists in 12 league fixtures.
In a previous match against West Ham United, Slot opted to replace Salah with Dominik Szoboszlai, a decision that paid off as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory. Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo contributed to the win, which was Liverpool’s second in their last eight league encounters.
Despite the successful outcome, Slot expressed his reluctance to label the benching of Salah as the beginning of a “post-Salah era.” He acknowledged the impact Salah has had on the team over the years, stating, “It is not a nice thing for him, not for a Liverpool fan and not for me. A player that has been so important for us, you want to see him on the pitch.”
Salah’s absence from the starting lineup raises questions about his future role, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaching. Following the match against Sunderland, Salah will be available for only three more games before departing to represent Egypt in the tournament.
As Liverpool navigates this challenging period, Slot emphasized the need for Salah to remain a vital part of the team’s plans, even as they prepare for his temporary exit. “I prefer to see Mo on the pitch, scoring goals, and doing something special rather than the camera being on him when he isn’t in the game,” he added, reinforcing Salah’s importance to the squad.
Liverpool fans will be keen to see how the team performs without their star player and whether Slot’s tactical choices will continue to yield positive results. The coming weeks will be crucial for the club as they adjust their strategy in light of Salah’s impending international commitments.
