Mohamed Salah was again absent from Liverpool’s starting lineup on Wednesday, marking the second straight Premier League match in which manager Arne Slot opted to leave out the Egyptian star — a move that may hint at a shifting role for the veteran forward in his ninth season at Anfield.
Salah began on the bench against Sunderland and entered only at halftime, failing to find the net in a 1-1 draw. He did not feature at all in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham, the first time Slot had left him out of a league lineup since taking charge in 2024 — a title-winning season powered largely by Salah’s 29 league goals.
Liverpool win raises questions over Salah’s future role
Slot admitted Salah was frustrated after being dropped but praised his professionalism. Still, the manager retained Dominic Szoboszlai on the right flank, citing defensive balance.
Liverpool faces three more matches — two league fixtures and a Champions League tie — before Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations. Slot declined to confirm whether he will start against Leeds on Saturday.
Salah has scored four league goals so far this season.
Source: AP