Forward Mohamed Salah has endured a miserable start to the season for Liverpool, playing a crucial role in the Reds’ inconsistent form.
While the veteran forward boasts eight goal involvements in 16 games, his performances have been below par at both ends of the pitch.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has highlighted his [poor defensive contributions](https://footballtoday.com/2025/11/10/wayne-rooney-tears-into-mohamed-salah-as-manchester-united-legend-highlights-major-liverpool-issue/) as one of the reasons behind Liverpool’s struggles this season.
Given his pedigree, manager Arne Slot has found it difficult to drop him from the starting line-up, although he has left him on the bench twice in the Champions League.
The Dutch tactician’s refusal to bench his star forward has been described a ‘[big mistake](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/11/liverpool-mohamed-salah-arne-slot-analysis)‘.
However, with Salah set to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place from December 21 to January 18, Slot has the perfect opportunity to build a more cohesive and balanced team.
Without the Egypt captain, Slot will have Federico Chiesa as the only senior natural right winger in his squad, although Jeremie Frimpong, Dominic Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo can also play in that position.
Chiesa has often been deployed as a striker since joining Liverpool because of Salah, but may now have the opportunity to replace the latter in the starting line-up.
The Italy international has impressed on the few occasions he has played as Liverpool’s right winger, registering one goal and five assists in nine games.
He is not as devastating in attack as Salah, but he offers more defensively, giving right-back Conor Bradley more protection and offering the team a better overall balance.
If the Italian flourishes while Salah is away at the AFCON, the Egyptian may no longer be undroppable for Slot.
_Stats from transfermarkt.com_