Liverpool manager Arne Slot admits he does not know if Mohamed Salah will play again for the club after the star’s public criticism.
MILAN: Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he does not know if Mohamed Salah has played his final game for the club.
Salah was left out of the squad entirely for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan after publicly criticising Slot over his recent benching.
The 33-year-old forward said he felt “thrown under the bus” and claimed his relationship with the manager had broken down.
Asked if Salah had played his last match for Liverpool, Slot said, “I have no clue.”
“I cannot answer that question at this moment in time,” added the Dutch coach.
“He has every right to feel what he feels, but he doesn’t have the right to share it with the media.”
Salah’s explosive comments came amid a poor run of form for both player and club.
Liverpool have won just four of their last 15 matches in all competitions.
Salah has scored only four goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah cryptically told reporters at the weekend.
The Egypt star is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool’s match against Brighton this weekend.
His absence adds to Slot’s selection problems, with Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo also missing the trip to Milan through injury.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker said the squad hopes for a positive resolution.
“We, as his teammates, as his friends, we hope the best thing happens for him,” said Alisson.
“But as Liverpool FC players, we want the best for the club as well. So we want a win-win situation for everyone.”
Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram warned against underestimating a wounded Liverpool.
“Everyone might think this is the perfect time to face Liverpool but maybe not,” said Thuram.
“We’re going to face a great team with great players.” – AFP
