Arne Slot hinted he may keep Mo Salah on the bench for when Liverpool face Sunderland next week.
The Merseysiders will take on Regis Le Bris’ in-form Black Cats in the Premier League next Wednesday.
The Reds will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins in the English top-flight for the first time since September (after beating Burnley and Everton).
Mo Salah could be benched against Sunderland
Speaking after Liverpool returned to winning ways against Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham, Arne Slot hinted that Salah may not instantly return to the starting-XI.
“We play a lot of games. In 10 days we played four. These players are such quality players,” the 47-year-old told BBC MOTD (via BBC Sport).
“Mo has been so important for the club and will be so important for the club so let’s see what happens on Wednesday [against Sunderland].”
That might seem a bit of a shocking potential call after having already dropped the Egyptian to the bench for the 2-0 win over the Hammers.
But ultimately, it’s worth noting that the number 11’s absence didn’t ultimately harm our ability to win the clash in question.
Players like Florian Wirtz managed to find space, and the team ultimately created more than enough chances to justify the end result.
| Liverpool’s stats vs West Ham |
| 1.26 xG |
| 5 shots on target |
| 3 big chances created |
| 2 big chances missed |
| 20 touches in opposition box |
* Liverpool’s stats against West Ham in the Premier League (Fotmob)
Arne Slot could make rare Liverpool selection call
Not seeing Mo Salah’s name on the teamsheet across consecutive competitive games is practically unheard of.
The last time the former Roma winger didn’t start two back-to-back Premier League games was back in the 2023/24 season. But that wasn’t a bold call from then-manager Jurgen Klopp; the 33-year-old was sidelined with a muscle injury!
To be clear, we don’t think the key to Liverpool’s victory at the London Stadium was down to dropping our talismanic right winger.
We wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to seeing Salah restored to the starting lineup come Sunderland’s visit.
However, in what has been a mostly disappointing 2025/26 campaign, with question marks over Slot’s future, we’re open to some bold calls to remind the squad that they’re playing for the Dutchman.
Selection calls don’t get much bolder than dropping the modern-day Liverpool great!
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What games are you watching where you don’t think it’s the dropping of Salah that has not helped us win, love him and everything he has done for Liverpool but he has been off it all season and because of it we’ve almost had to play with 10 men, Salah not in the side gives Wirtz a chance to shine which is what we need, obviously Gomez coming in has also helped but it’s time for a change now, also might give him a little nudge to say you have to turn up
Hi Clint, appreciate the comment! :) To be clear, I think it’s helped – I just don’t think it’s necessarily the key reason why Liverpool won. Could be wrong though!
Crikey !
Keegan, Rushie, Kenny, Fowler and Stevie had the odd run of games playing under par.
It’s a known fact that for most people the recovery time after games gets longer as people hit their 30’s.
Extending a career in sport is usually done by winding down a sportsperson’s frequency of games.
AfCon’s coming up. The Egyptian F.A. and African Confederation want a fighting fit Mo’.
Perfectly logical reasons.
Hi mate, thanks for the comment! For sure, and it’s not ideal to have an international tournament right bang smack in the middle of the season (especially one that Mo typically returns from looking a shadow of himself).
Think he just needs a break as he’s not been on par all season. He’s a prolific player but not as young as he was. Can’t beat him when he’s on form.
Hi Louise, cheers for the comment! Absolutely no arguments there – top form Mo Salah is otherworldly!
Manager made the right decision, he’ll be brave to drop him again against Sunderland. Team selection was better today, Liverpool supporters have been saying it for some time. Stop playing midfielders at right back, pack the midfield. Wirtz was better with more help in midfield, Isak scored because he got the right service, balls into the box from wide. A step in the right direction against an abysmal west ham, but bigger tests coming up.
Thanks for the comment! Completely agree on this being a positive step, but, as you rightly point out, the question now is whether we can build something from this. Back to back wins in the league would be a major step in the right direction.