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Salah’s Professionalism Praised as Slot Explains Decision to Drop Liverpool Star

Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed Mohamed Salah’s exemplary professionalism after the Egyptian forward was left out of the starting XI for the Reds’ much-needed 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham. The decision marked the first time since April 2024 that Salah had been omitted from a league lineup, a rarity considering his status as one of the club’s most influential players over the past decade.

Slot made the call amid a worrying run of nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions, a slump that has placed Liverpool under increasing scrutiny. Salah, who secured last season’s Premier League Golden Boot with an impressive 29 goals, has struggled to replicate that form this campaign, registering just four league goals to date.

While the forward did not feature at London Stadium, Slot acknowledged that it was reasonable to assume the 32-year-old was unhappy with the decision—a sentiment he described as both normal and expected from a player of Salah’s stature.

“Any great player wants to play, and Mo has been extraordinary for this club for so many years,” Slot said. “He handled the situation impeccably, with the discipline and dedication he always shows. Regardless of whether he plays or not, he maintains elite standards. That’s what makes him a top professional.”

Liverpool will soon have to adjust even further. Slot confirmed that Salah will depart on 15 December to join Egypt ahead of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, which runs until 18 January. Should Egypt reach the final, Salah would not be available for up to seven Liverpool matches, including the crucial clash against Arsenal at the Emirates on 8 January.

The Reds, defending Premier League champions, find themselves eighth in the table and trailing leaders Arsenal by nine points. Their immediate focus turns to Wednesday’s test against a resurgent Sunderland side—who sit above Liverpool for the first time in decades—before a weekend trip to struggling Leeds United.

Slot did not clarify whether Salah will feature in the upcoming fixtures before his international departure, but he stressed the importance of finding solutions in his absence. “We have to prepare to play without him,” the Dutchman added. “He has carried this team with goals for many seasons, and I have no doubt he will do so again.”

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