Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a significant selection call, leaving star forward Mohamed Salah on the bench for the team's Premier League clash with Sunderland. This follows Salah being named as a substitute in the previous match against West Ham United, creating an unprecedented situation in the Egyptian's Anfield career.
Unprecedented Decision for Liverpool Icon
This marks the very first time Mohamed Salah has been benched in back-to-back Premier League fixtures since his arrival at Liverpool in the summer of 2017. The decision by Slot to omit the prolific forward from the starting eleven for consecutive league games has sent shockwaves through the football community, highlighting a potential shift in the Dutch manager's tactical thinking.
Slot, speaking ahead of the match at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday 3 December 2025, confirmed the news. He stated his rationale was straightforward: to maintain the winning formula from the previous outing. Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over West Ham, with Salah entering the fray as a second-half substitute in that game.
Slot Praises Salah's Professional Response
The Liverpool boss was quick to address Salah's reaction to the news, keen to dispel any notion of a rift. "He is not happy, of course, no player is happy when he is not playing," Slot admitted candidly. However, he lavished praise on the 33-year-old's attitude in response to the setback.
Slot described Salah as a "top professional" who responded to the decision by training intensely and maintaining a positive demeanour around his teammates. This public endorsement suggests the manager views the situation as a tactical choice rather than a disciplinary issue, aiming to manage the fitness and impact of his veteran attacker.
Minimal Changes to Winning Side
The lineup to face Sunderland showed just one alteration from the side that defeated West Ham, and it was not in the forward positions. Scottish defender Andy Robertson returned to the starting eleven at left-back, replacing Milos Kerkez. This indicates that Slot's decision regarding Salah was a deliberate tactical omission rather than part of a wider rotation policy.
The situation places a fascinating spotlight on Salah's future role at the club. While his goal-scoring record remains legendary, Slot appears willing to make bold decisions to fit his system. How Salah responds on the pitch when given his next opportunity will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as one of the Premier League's greatest ever players navigates this new chapter under a new manager.
