Mohamed Salah has been excluded from Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League match against Inter Milan after his outspoken criticism of manager Arne Slot’s treatment of him.
Despite appearing cheerful during a training session with the first team earlier in the day, Salah was absent from the squad announced by Liverpool on Monday.
On Saturday, Salah expressed feeling “betrayed” by Liverpool, stating that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated after being benched for the third consecutive game in a 3-3 draw with Leeds.
In a season that falls below his usual standards, the 33-year-old wasn’t even called upon as a substitute at Elland Road.
“I’ve often said I had a good relationship with the manager, and suddenly, that’s no longer the case,” Salah told reporters when questioned about his continued omission.
“I’m not sure why, but to me, it seems someone at the club doesn’t want me here.
“It feels like I’ve been thrown under the bus by the club. That’s how I see it. It’s clear someone wants me to take all the blame.”
Reports indicate that Salah’s exclusion from the squad for the Italy trip was fully supported by Slot, although no formal disciplinary action has been taken by the club.
Salah’s absence is considered beneficial for all parties, with a short break from selection deemed appropriate given his comments’ timing and nature.
Salah’s explosive remarks have fueled speculation that Liverpool might sell him during the January transfer window.
The forward has been consistently linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League over the past two years.
Following the upcoming home game against Brighton in the Premier League, Salah is set to join the Africa Cup of Nations.
Not the player he once was
Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah ranks as Liverpool’s third all-time top scorer with 250 goals in 420 appearances.
He’s the highest-paid player in Liverpool’s history, having secured a new contract in April, and has played a pivotal role in the club’s two Premier League titles and one Champions League victory during his legendary tenure at Merseyside.
However, this season, Salah has been far from his best as Liverpool struggles — the Premier League champions currently sit ninth in the table — with just four goals in 13 league games.
He was left out of the starting lineup for Champions League matches against Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this season, signaling Slot’s growing frustration with Salah’s lack of form and defensive effort.
Salah’s last start for Liverpool came in a 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven on November 26, and he hasn’t scored since the beginning of November against Aston Villa.
His public outburst threatened to undermine Slot’s authority as he attempts to reverse the team’s poor form, with only four wins in their last 15 games.
Salah’s absence adds to Slot’s challenges, as Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Wataru Endo are also unavailable due to fitness concerns.
Consequently, Slot could only bring a reduced 19-man squad for the trip to Milan.
Slot and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker are scheduled to attend a press conference at the San Siro ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Inter.
