Egyptian Star Sidelined Amid Fallout from Explosive Rant Against Arne Slot and Club, But No Disciplinary Action as Reds Seek Focus Before AFCON Departure.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has been omitted from Liverpool‘s traveling squad for Tuesday‘s crucial Champions League showdown at Inter Milan, following his blistering public outburst about his fractured ties with manager Arne Slot and perceived mistreatment by the Premier League giants, as confirmed by multiple reports on Monday.

Salah‘s Omission: A “Selection Decision” to “Reduce Distractions“

Despite participating in Monday morning‘s training session at the AXA Training Centre, the 33-year-old forward was absent from the 19-player squad announcement, per Liverpool‘s official channels. Sources emphasize this is not disciplinary but a tactical call, backed fully by Slot, to grant Salah a “brief period away” from selection, allowing the Reds to refocus amid their turbulent campaign.

BBC Sport reports: “It is understood this is a decision which relates solely to squad selection and there will be no formal disciplinary action taken by the club.” The move aims to “maintain situation under control” and minimize “noise” from Salah‘s Saturday interview, especially after Liverpool‘s 3–3 draw at Leeds United, where he remained an unused substitute for the third straight match.

The Incendiary Interview: “Thrown Under the Bus” and No Relationship with Slot

Post-Leeds, Salah unloaded in a raw exchange, accusing the club of “throwing him under the bus” and revealing a total breakdown with Slot: “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me… that someone doesn’t want me in the club.” He hinted Saturday‘s home clash against Brighton could mark his Anfield farewell before linking up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on December 15.

The Egyptian icon, Liverpool‘s third all-time top scorer with 250 goals in 420 appearances, has endured a stark dip this season, managing just four goals in 13 Premier League outings as the defending champions languish in ninth. Last term’s Golden Boot winner (29 goals, 18 assists) and Playmaker now faces scrutiny over his form, with Saudi Pro League links resurfacing amid his £400,000-a-week deal (to 2027).

Slot‘s Presser Looms: Clarity on Salah‘s Future and Inter Focus

Slot will field questions in Milan later Monday (around 1:45 p.m. ET), his first public response since the saga erupted. Liverpool, winless in four and reeling from a PSV thrashing, sit 13th in the UCL table, desperate for a San Siro boost to salvage knockout hopes.

Egypt‘s FA has voiced support, but Anfield insiders stress Slot retains hierarchy backing despite six losses in 15 league games, a far cry from last season’s title glory. Salah‘s “short absence” ends potentially vs. Brighton, but if AFCON extends (up to eight games missed), his Liverpool tenure hangs in limbo, Saudi or MLS whispers growing louder.

As the Reds jet to Italy, this bombshell tests Slot‘s resolve: Can Liverpool rally without their talisman, or does Salah‘s fire signal an era’s end?