Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made the bold call to bench Mohamed Salah for Wednesday's clash against Sunderland.
It marks the first time Salah has been benched for two consecutive Premier League matches.
In 12 league fixtures this term, Salah has scored four goals and provided two assists
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In 12 league fixtures this term, Salah has scored four goals and provided two assistsCredit: Getty
Slot decided to drop Salah for the Reds' clash against West Ham United last Sunday and was replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai, who steps in again.
It proved to be a wise call as Slot's side prevailed 2-0 as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo got on the scoresheet.
The win over West Ham was Liverpool's second in their last eight league fixtures.
However, Slot was reluctant to state his star winger's benching against the Hammers heralded the start of a post-Salah era.
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"It is not a nice thing for him, not for a Liverpool fan and not for me, Slot said.
"A player that has been so important for us, you want to see him on the pitch. I prefer to see Mo on the pitch, scoring goals, and doing something special rather than the camera being on him when he isn't in the game.
"He has been so important for us, for so many years, and he will be important for us in the coming days - because it is days as he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations."
Following Wednesday's fixture against the Black Cats, Slot will only have Salah available for three more matches before the superstar winger will depart for the AFCON with Egypt.
Fans were quick to react on social media with some hoping the decision to keep him on the bench would prove a positive in the long run.
One Liverpool fan posted: "Angry Salah hat trick off the bench?"
Salah had to watch from the bench against West Ham and will do so again as Liverpool face Sunderland
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Salah had to watch from the bench against West Ham and will do so again as Liverpool face SunderlandCredit: Getty
Another added: "No one can complain with that side."
A third said: "This is a perfect chance to see how the team copes without Salah."
There were some who didn't agree with Slot's decision though.
One supporter, said: "Salah benched again what is this?"
A second added: "He benched salah again ? Slot you don’t know what you’ve done."
While another posted: "The disrespect towards Salah is insane."