Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah has reacted excellently to being dropped from the side during Sunday's defeat to West Ham United.
Slot is now facing a dilemma over whether to recall the winger for the midweek match against Sunderland, but was giving little away in Tuesday's press conference. Salah was dropped to the bench for Sunday's trip to London, with Dominik Szoboszlai preferred on the right and Florian Wirtz in the middle, with Cody Gakpo in his usual spot on the left wing.
It turned out to be an inspired move from the boss, with Wirtz putting in his best performance in a Liverpool shirt in a comfortable 2-0 win for the Reds, with Alexander Isak scoring his first league goal for the club. The result brought up uncomfortable questions about how Slot can fit Salah in the team and keep everyone firing.
But speaking at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to Sunderland, Slot was giving very little away about the Egyptian, explaining that while Salah was naturally unhappy about being dropped, it was the best thing to do in a hectic fixture schedule.
“That is a fair assumption (to be disappointed not to start) and a normal reaction from a player that is good enough to play for us, and I say it mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for us in the future," he said.
"Of course, a player is not happy he isn’t playing. He was not the only one who wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting, I can tell you – and that’s normal.
Arne Slot benched Mohamed Salah for the trip to West Ham
"But the way he behaved is what you would expect from the professional he is. He was very supportive for his teammates, handled himself really well during the day and yesterday in the session as well.
"You cannot be a player that’s available every three days and play at those high standards if you go with your emotions but Mo is so disciplined, knows what he has to do to stay fit.
"No matter if he plays well, doesn’t play or if he doesn’t play he will always be that top professional and that is what he’s been in the last few days.”
Slot also confirmed Salah will meet up with the Egyptian national team on December 15 ahead of the Africa Cup of Nation.
That will mean the winger will be available for the clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, but won't be available for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on December 20.