Liverpool have left Mohamed Salah out of the squad for the Champions League trip to Inter Milan following his public complaint about how manager Arne Slot has treated him.
The club confirmed Salah was not included in the group named on Monday, despite footage showing him training with the first team earlier in the day. The omission comes after Salah made strong comments to reporters at the weekend about his recent treatment and selection.
Salah told reporters, “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship.”
He also said, “I don’t know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.
“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.”
Reports suggest the decision to leave him out was supported by Slot. The club has not announced any formal punishment, but sources say a short break from selection was judged to be in the best interest of all involved given the timing and severity of the remarks.
Salah’s future at Liverpool has been the subject of intense speculation since his comments. Media outlets have suggested the club may explore transfer options in January, and links with the Saudi Pro League have resurfaced.
On the field, the 33-year-old has struggled for form this season, with only four Premier League goals in 13 appearances. He has been omitted from the starting XI in key European matches this campaign and last started a league game on November 26.
Liverpool face further selection challenges for the trip, with Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo also absent for fitness reasons. Manager Slot will address the media at the San Siro along with goalkeeper Alisson Becker before Tuesday’s match. After the Brighton game next weekend, Salah is due to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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