Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declined to confirm whether Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah will return to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland at Anfield. This follows Slot’s controversial decision to bench the prolific forward during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United.
Salah, who ranks fourth among the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorers, is scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. When questioned about Salah’s reaction to being omitted from the starting eleven, Slot acknowledged the player’s disappointment while praising his professionalism.
“Naturally, any player of his caliber would be disappointed when not starting,” Slot stated during Tuesday’s press conference. “He has been exceptionally outstanding for this club over many years and will continue to be. His disciplined approach and understanding of fitness maintenance exemplify the professional he is.”
The upcoming match begins a critical period for Liverpool, who currently sit eighth in the table with 21 points—nine behind league leaders Arsenal. This represents the club’s most challenging 12-game stretch across all competitions in over seven decades.
Salah’s final appearance before international duty is expected to be against Brighton on December 13. Should Egypt advance to the AFCON final, Liverpool would be without their star forward for seven crucial matches.
Despite recent struggles that include two consecutive home defeats, Liverpool face a favorable historical record against Sunderland, who haven’t won at Anfield since 1983. The visitors currently occupy sixth position with 22 points.
Slot revealed positive developments regarding several key players. Record signing Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club against West Ham, though the manager noted the striker experienced cramping afterward. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz has returned from a two-game injury absence, and Joe Gomez made his first top-flight start in eleven months.
With three matches scheduled across six days—including a Champions League encounter at Inter Milan next Tuesday—Slot indicated rotational strategies would be necessary: “While Isak, Wirtz, and Gomez are all available for selection, none are currently capable of playing three full ninety-minute matches within a week.”