Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted he has 'no clue' whether Mohamed Salah has played his last game for the club, casting further doubt on the forward's future at Anfield. Slot left Salah out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against Inter Milan, a decision taken by the club's hierarchy with Slot's full support.
Salah, 33, could also miss Saturday's Premier League home game against Brighton before reporting for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt on Monday. The Egypt international is under contract until summer 2027, but Saudi Arabian interest is expected to be rekindled in January.
Slot denied Salah's claims that their relationship had broken down, saying: 'That is not the way I feel, but he has the right to feel how he feels things.' He added that he was surprised by Salah's comments after the forward had been 'really respectful' in training despite being benched for three consecutive games.
Asked if there was a way back for Salah, Slot said: 'I am a firm believer that there is always a possibility to return for a player.' However, when pressed on whether Salah may have played his last game, he replied: 'I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this point in time.'
Slot insisted his politeness should not be mistaken for weakness, saying: 'Usually I'm calm, I'm polite. But that doesn't mean I'm weak so if a player has these comments about so many things then it's up to me and the club to react. We reacted in a way you can see – he's not here.'
Goalkeeper Alisson expressed hope that Salah would play for Liverpool again, saying: 'I don't think anything but I hope he plays again for the club. That's a personal situation between Mo and the club. We as his teammates and his friends, we hope the best thing happens for him.'
