Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah played the full 90 minutes in the Champions League win at Marseille on Wednesday, with Reds boss Arne Slot discussing the challenge of rotating key players including the Egyptian
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
22:59, 23 Jan 2026
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on as Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, is seen during a Liverpool Training Session at AXA Training Centre on December 08, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has admitted he would feel 'uneasy' if Mohamed Salah had to be benched again(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
Arne Slot has confessed that he would feel "uneasy" if he had to sideline Mohamed Salah again this season — a sentiment he would hold for any Liverpool player.
Salah made his return for the Reds this week, playing the full 90 minutes in the Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday, after missing the previous seven matches due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments with Egypt. The 33-year-old's first start for Liverpool since late November followed a period on the bench, which sparked controversy when he remained unused during the 3-3 draw at Leeds United in early December.
The forward expressed his frustration, claiming he was being scapegoated for the Reds' lacklustre autumn performance and that he had no relationship with Slot. Following these comments, Salah was omitted from the squad for the Champions League win against Inter but played most of the Premier League match against Brighton several days later, after having a frank discussion with the Liverpool head coach and apologising to the team.
READ MORE: Liverpool could have 5 players missing vs Bournemouth amid fresh Federico Chiesa blowREAD MORE: Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa 'tells Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave club this summer'
While the winger is expected to retain his spot for Saturday's Premier League match against Bournemouth, Slot acknowledges that it won't be easy if he has to bench the Egyptian again.
"I always find it uneasy if I leave a player out and even more a player that has meant a lot for this club," admitted the Reds boss.
"You can work with a player for a long time and you have had success with them, but part of my job is making the decision that I think is the best for the team.
"But that is always an uneasy decision. Not only with Mo but every single player I leave out because of the work they put in. Their quality is enough to play, so it is always uneasy not to play players."
Liverpool remained unbeaten across the 12 matches in which Salah was either rested or unavailable, a streak that continued with their commanding 3-0 victory in the south of France.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique Marseille v Liverpool at the Stade Vélodrome on January 21, 2026 in Marseille France (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Salah made his first start for Liverpool since November in the 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
When questioned about whether Salah now better understands the situation and the likelihood of being rotated from the starting XI again, Slot acknowledged he doesn't anticipate any player being content with being left out.
"I think every player knows that a manager needs to make decisions and I think every player 99 out of 100 times is disagreeing with the manager if he doesn't play," the Dutchman said. "It should be like that because if you don't have confidence in yourself then it is hard to play in front of 60,000 people. These players should have confidence that 'I am good enough to play and I should play'.
"I am not talking solely about Mo, but everyone now. I think it is always hard for any player who is left out because they want to help and show they are able to help the team.
"Mo is definitely one of them. He is not a player who says 'leave me out for five times in a row' - everyone has seen that. But everyone is the same in that regard."
READ MORE: Liverpool selling Andy Robertson to Tottenham could be masterstroke for huge summer moveREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds to Steven Gerrard criticism as Liverpool head coach defends comments
With Ibrahima Konate likely to continue his compassionate leave following the passing of his father, Joe Gomez is set to maintain his centre-back position alongside Virgil van Dijk at the Vitality Stadium.
Cody Gakpo, who netted a goal after coming on as a substitute in Marseille, and Curtis Jones will both be vying for a starting spot. However, Federico Chiesa's participation is uncertain after he sustained an injury during the midweek warm-up.
Article continues below
Long-term injury casualties Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.