Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Mohamed Salah was far from pleased after being dropped for the Reds’ 2–0 victory over West Ham on Sunday.
Salah, who started the match on the bench at the London Stadium, was left out of the lineup as Slot attempted to halt Liverpool’s alarming dip in form, which had seen the team lose nine of their last 12 matches.
Despite being available, the Egyptian forward remained an unused substitute for the entire game. Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo secured the much-needed win.
Speaking after the match, Slot admitted Salah’s reaction was expected.
“It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,” Slot said. “I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting, but he wasn’t the only one.”
Salah is expected to be in contention for a return to the starting XI when Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old forward will be available for four more matches before he departs to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot confirmed the timeline, saying:
“It’s 15 December. But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved, and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.”
