The decision to exclude Mohamed Salah from the Liverpool squad travelling to Milan for the crucial Champions League fixture against Inter Milan is not just a tactical choice; it is a profound disciplinary measure. It confirms a full-blown crisis, signaling a complete rupture in the relationship between the club, manager Arne Slot, and their biggest star.
The exclusion is a direct response to the Egyptian forward’s explosive comments, and it has sent shockwaves across the football landscape. This is not simply a day of rest; it is the starkest signal that Liverpool’s hierarchy has backed manager Arne Slot in a brutal power struggle.
For broader context on recent squad policy issues, fans have been following updates on platforms like BBC Sport.
The Spark: An Incendiary Interview
The controversy ignited in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool’s recent 3-3 draw against Leeds United. Salah had been relegated to the bench for the third consecutive match, an almost unheard-of situation for the club’s talisman.
Following the game, Salah delivered a highly incendiary interview to reporters, where he claimed he felt he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club. Furthermore, he revealed he now had “no relationship” with manager Arne Slot, casting severe doubt over his future at Anfield.
As reported by the BBC, citing sources close to the decision, the club’s removal of Salah from the traveling squad was a short-term measure agreed upon by both the hierarchy and Slot.
For additional commentary and media reaction, Sky Sports highlighted the tension surrounding Salah’s remarks and the timing of the disciplinary action.
Slot’s Authority Reasserted
The official exclusion of Salah from the 19-man squad for the Inter Milan tie is a powerful show of authority from the Liverpool board, acting in full support of Arne Slot. The club has clearly decided that public criticism that undermines the manager must be met with decisive action.
As reported by The Express, detailing the club’s stance, Liverpool chiefs have given the Dutchman their complete backing, believing players must react to managerial decisions in a professional manner. This firm stance immediately re-establishes Slot’s control over the dressing room and sends an unambiguous message to the entire squad: no player, regardless of his legacy, is bigger than the club.
It is a high-stakes gamble, as Liverpool desperately needs a result against Inter Milan to boost their Champions League hopes. However, the club clearly believes that stability and discipline are paramount, even at the cost of losing their most prolific attacker for a crucial European night. For many fans keeping up with the latest scores and news via platforms like 96.com, this dramatic twist fundamentally changes the calculus of the Champions League tie.
A Striking Weakening of Attacking Options
The immediate practical impact of Salah’s absence is a profound weakening of Liverpool’s attacking depth for the trip to the San Siro. Already facing a depleted forward line, Slot’s options are severely constrained.
The Reds are also without players like Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa due to injury. With Salah now removed from selection, Slot has a dearth of senior attacking options for a crucial European fixture.
The reliance now falls heavily upon the remaining forwards, such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who have both struggled to find consistent form this season. Without the threat of the ‘Egyptian King,’ Inter’s formidable defence can concentrate their efforts on neutralizing the few remaining senior threats. The tactical challenge for Liverpool’s manager is immense.
For comparison, official UEFA match previews often highlight how the absence of star players shifts tactical expectations and match dynamics.
The Long-Term Crisis: Is This the End?
The true gravity of this episode lies in its implications for Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool.
The forward is scheduled to depart soon to join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), meaning he could be absent until mid-January. If he misses the upcoming Premier League match against Brighton, which Slot has hinted is possible, he will have left the club for a major international tournament having been publicly disciplined and alienated.
This timing is crucial as it coincides with the January transfer window. The fallout from the interview and the subsequent punishment has vigorously rekindled speculation of a monumental move to the Saudi Pro League. Reports from various sources, including the Mirror, suggest Saudi clubs are preparing an extraordinary package to lure Salah away, potentially reigniting a saga from last summer.
For a player who has given so much to the club – winning every major honour – it is a deeply acrimonious chapter. His explosive comments led former players, such as Jamie Carragher, to suggest that Salah was “destroying his legacy” at Anfield. The question of whether the club will hold onto their star or cash in while his value remains astronomical is now the central debate dominating discussions on every sports news platform, including through the 96.com app.
For more on the transfer implications, The Guardian’s football section continues to analyse how this fallout could reshape Liverpool’s long-term planning.
