Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made one of his toughest decisions since arriving at Anfield. Ahead of Liverpool’s high-stakes Champions League trip to face Inter Milan, the Dutch coach has officially removed Mohamed Salah from the squad following the player’s controversial comments after their 3–3 draw with Leeds United.
Liverpool enter this midweek European fixture in desperate need of momentum. A string of disappointing domestic results has put pressure on the squad, and the Champions League has become an opportunity to reset and rebuild confidence. The Reds will travel to the iconic San Siro knowing that only a win can ease the growing tension surrounding the club.
However, instead of taking his strongest lineup to Italy, Slot has chosen to sideline the team’s most iconic figure. Salah, who has been the face of Liverpool’s success for nearly a decade, will not feature at all.
Salah Officially Left Out
In his pre-match press conference, Slot addressed the situation head-on. He confirmed that Salah had been excluded from the travelling squad, and the decision stemmed directly from the Egyptian star’s explosive post-match interview last weekend.
“Our reaction to the interview he gave is clear,” Slot said firmly. “He is not part of the squad for this match, and right now I genuinely do not know whether he will play for Liverpool again.”
Slot revealed that his communication with the winger has been extremely limited.
“The only conversation I had with Salah was to inform him that he would not travel with us for this game,” Slot added. “That’s it. There has been no further discussion.”
Slot: ‘We Needed to Take Action’
Salah’s comments after the Leeds match sent shockwaves through the club. The 33-year-old accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and suggested that someone inside the club was trying to force him out. Those remarks immediately created unrest within the squad and the coaching staff.
Slot was honest about the ripple effect Salah’s statement caused inside the dressing room.
“I don’t feel that our relationship has broken because of what he said,” Slot explained. “Players have the right to express their feelings. But I was surprised he made those comments to the media right after the match.”
The manager emphasized that Liverpool had no choice but to respond strongly.
“There is always a chance for a player to come back into the team,” he said. “But when a player publicly expresses something like that, we must show a reaction. That is why he has been excluded today.”
Slot’s decision signals that internal discipline will remain firm under his leadership — even if the consequences involve one of the club’s biggest stars.
Salah’s Future at Liverpool Under Serious Question
With Salah sidelined for such an important European fixture, questions about his future at Anfield have intensified. Rumors have circulated for months that he has grown increasingly frustrated with his reduced role, especially after being dropped in three of Liverpool’s last four Premier League matches.
According to multiple reports, the relationship between Salah and Slot has deteriorated faster than expected. The player feels promises made to him before signing his short contract extension were not kept, while Liverpool believe Salah’s performances have declined significantly.
This tension, combined with his fiery public comments, has led many to believe that Salah’s time at Liverpool is coming to an end.
Saudi Arabia Move Back on the Table
Speculation about a January transfer has resumed with full force. Saudi Pro League clubs — who previously attempted to sign Salah for more than £150 million — are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
This time, the transfer fee could be far lower due to Salah’s age, reduced minutes, and fractured relationship with the club.
Sources in England and the Middle East claim several wealthy Saudi clubs are prepared to return with a fresh offer once Salah finishes his duties with the Egyptian national team at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.
At 33, Salah may be tempted by the chance to join Cristiano Ronaldo and other global stars in a league that can offer him a monumental salary package and a new chapter in his career.
Liverpool Enter a New Era?
The decision to drop Salah may be the clearest sign yet that Liverpool are preparing for life beyond their long-time talisman. With key games coming thick and fast, Slot appears determined to build a disciplined, unified squad — even if doing so means sacrificing a club legend.
As Liverpool prepare to face Inter Milan without their most iconic attacker, one thing is certain: the Salah saga is far from over. Whether this is the beginning of a permanent separation or a temporary disciplinary measure remains to be seen, but the tension surrounding Anfield has reached its highest point of the season
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