Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confessed to feeling uncomfortable about leaving Mohamed Salah out of his starting lineup, a major decision taken during the champions' recent victory at West Ham.
The Difficult Decision for Slot and Salah
Slot made the significant call to omit the Egyptian forward for Sunday's Premier League clash, seeking a solution to a poor run of form. The 33-year-old Salah, who has delivered eight phenomenal seasons at Anfield, has not been at his brilliant best this campaign and faces a fight to regain his place against Sunderland on Wednesday.
Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt on 15 December, a lengthy absence that adds another layer to Slot's selection headache. The Dutch manager was keen to stress that this was not the beginning of a new era without his star player, but a tough choice made in the moment.
"It is not a nice thing for him, not for a Liverpool fan and not for me," Slot stated. "A player that has been so important for us, you want to see him on the pitch. I prefer to see Mo on the pitch, scoring his goals and doing something special."
Szoboszlai Steps In But Not a Long-Term Winger
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai was the man to fill Salah's role on the right flank in East London. However, Slot was clear that this should not be seen as a permanent solution, despite being linked with a January move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
"I don't see Dominik as a right-winger for the long-term future in this club," Slot explained. "Dominik is a midfielder who could help us out as a full-back or as a winger if needed. In the long-term future we should have wingers playing as wingers."
He praised Szoboszlai's versatility but emphasised the need for specialists in each position once the squad is at full strength.
Salah's Reaction and Squad Impact
Slot revealed that Salah was understandably unhappy about being dropped but had responded in a professional manner. The forward was supportive of his teammates both during the match and in training the following day.
"The reaction of every player in this group, no matter whether he's playing or not playing, is to bring the best out of yourself," said Slot. "That's exactly the attitude he showed on Sunday and yesterday as well."
The manager also provided a positive update on defender Conor Bradley, who has resumed some team training after missing the last three games with a muscle injury. The right-back could be in contention for Saturday's trip to Leeds.
As the Africa Cup of Nations looms, Slot's challenge is to manage Salah's final days before his departure carefully, balancing the need for results with respect for a player who has been "outstanding for this club for so many years."
