Jamie Carragher has revealed his surprise at Arne Slot’s decision to omit Mohamed Salah from the starting line-up against Sunderland, and claimed he feels it’s a glimpse into the future for Liverpool.
Slot opted to name Salah on the bench against West Ham United at the weekend, with the Liverpool head coach implying the decision was due to rotation. However, the 33-year-old was again left out of the team at home to Sunderland, with Slot explaining he did not want to change a winning side.
Jamie Redknapp said Slot’s decision could mark the beginning of the end for the club’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, while Carragher feels it was a shock to see Salah miss out once again.
“I think it's huge news,” the ex-defender said on Sky Sports. “I expected Mo Salah to play today.
“Arne Slot can dress the weekend up as Liverpool have four games in 10 days, and you have to look at which games you play him in.
“Sunderland will play deep and make it difficult so I expected this to be the one where Salah plays. For him to be on the bench doesn't feel like rest or rotation; it's dropped.
Mohamed Salah
Salah was dropped to the bench for the midweek game against Sunderland
“I've said this season I don't think Mo Salah should play every game, but when I said that I was thinking predominantly away games - not so much at Anfield. I'm surprised.
“Sooner or later Liverpool do have to pivot away from being the Salah team and towards being the Wirtz and Isak team, and maybe we saw a glimpse of that at West Ham.”
Liverpool will have to get used to operating without Salah given the winger is due to meet up with the Egypt squad in two weeks for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mohamed Salah looks on ahead of Liverpool's game against Manchester City
Salah is due to team up with the Egypt squad on December 15 (Image: Getty Images)
Slot confirmed in Tuesday’s press conference that Salah will depart Liverpool after the Brighton & Hove Albion game on December 13, and praised his reaction to being dropped from the side.
The Liverpool head coach also reiterated those comments before the Sunderland match.
“He reacts like you want a top professional to react in that he trained really hard and good the day after West Ham. He trained well yesterday and is really positive towards his teammates,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“I think in that sense he is an example for all these players when he played, and now he's an example if you don't play.”