Arne Slot says he has no idea whether Mohamed Salah will return to play for Liverpool again.
The Egyptian forward was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League trip to Inter after his outspoken comments following Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United raised questions about his future. Salah had claimed Liverpool were “throwing him under the bus” and making him a scapegoat for the team’s struggles, prompting Slot to take action.
When asked if Salah had played his last game for the club, Slot answered at a pre-match press conference: “I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this point in time. I am a firm believer that there is always a possibility for a player to return. I can leave it at that.” He noted there were only about 36 hours between the Leeds game and the moment the team conceded to make it 3-3, explaining the decision to exclude Salah from the trip to Italy and that they would reassess the situation afterward.
Slot admitted he was surprised by Salah’s assertion that his relationship with the head coach had completely broken down. “That is not how I feel, but he is free to feel how he feels,” Slot said. “I haven’t felt that way myself until Saturday evening. When a player isn’t selected, typically relations can sour, but Salah remained respectful to teammates and staff. It was surprising to hear his postmatch comments, though not unprecedented.” As for Salah’s absence, Slot said the forward trained with the squad at Kirkby on Monday before being told he would not travel to Italy. The conversation was brief, and Slot emphasized there had been extensive communication between them previously.
Asked whether Salah referred to him when speaking of being “thrown under the bus,” Slot replied that only Salah could clarify that. He added that Salah has every right to express his feelings publicly, but the club must respond accordingly, which is why Salah was not included in the travel party.
Slot insisted his authority remains intact. “I don’t feel my authority has been undermined,” he stated.
Liverpool head into Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter with a rough patch, having won only four of their last 15 games in all competitions. With Salah absent, the attack faces fewer options, as Federico Chiesa (illness) and Cody Gakpo (injury) also did not travel. Slot’s 19-man squad features three goalkeepers and three teenage outfield players, with Wataru Endo and Jeremie Frimpong also sidelined.
Slot acknowledged Federico’s illness as unfortunate timing and said the player might still travel if he makes a rapid recovery, though that remains unlikely. Cody Gakpo’s injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
