Egyptian star Mohamed Salah faces deepening rift with Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool face fresh uncertainty as Mohamed Salah endures a difficult spell highlighted by three consecutive Premier League exclusions, a sequence that raises serious questions about the Egyptian forward’s place in Arne Slot’s plans.

Salah’s troubles began during the Premier League’s 13th matchday on 30 November against West Ham, when Slot left him out of the starting lineup for the first time since taking charge.

The decision marked a major shift in how the Dutch coach uses the 33-year-old, who has long served as a central figure in Liverpool’s attacking structure.

The situation escalated days later during the trip to Sunderland on 3 December. Slot repeated the same decision, leaving Salah out of the starting eleven for a second straight match.

The winger played just 45 minutes across those two fixtures, a pattern that fuelled tension between the pair and intensified debate within the club’s fanbase.

The run continued into Matchday 15. Salah remained on the bench yet again on 6 December for the meeting with Leeds United, making it three consecutive league matches without a starting place.

Slot maintained his tactical approach without deviation, signalling a clear shift in Liverpool’s attacking hierarchy and a reduced role for their long-time talisman.

Salah’s numbers this season reflect the decline. He recorded four goals and two assists in his first 13 league matches—far below his usual production and a stark contrast with his previous campaign, where 29 goals helped deliver the Premier League title in Slot’s debut season.

The current dynamics point to a larger sporting debate. The Egyptian forward’s decreasing output coincides with his manager’s firm decisions, suggesting that Liverpool are entering a new phase in their attacking evolution.

With three straight exclusions and growing frustration, the relationship between Salah and Slot reaches a delicate moment that could shape the club’s near future.