Mohamed Salah faces bench risk as Liverpool look to regroup after Galatasaray defeat

Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in form has placed the Liverpool star at risk of being benched as the Reds prepare for a critical return leg against Galatasaray next Wednesday.

Despite scoring in consecutive games, Salah’s overall performances have been underwhelming, prompting manager Arne Slot to consider alternatives on the right flank, including Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool’s Champions League hopes suffered a blow on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss in Istanbul. Mario Lemina’s early goal proved decisive as the Reds missed multiple opportunities, leaving them with a difficult task to overturn the deficit at Anfield. With European survival now uncertain, the club’s attention also turns to securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Slot is expected to maintain his policy of heavy rotation. Should Alisson Becker remain unavailable, Giorgi Mamardashvili will again deputise in goal with Freddie Woodman on the bench.

At centre-back, Ibrahima Konate’s shaky display against Galatasaray opens the door for Joe Gomez to challenge for a starting spot alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. Giovanni Leoni is sidelined for the season, while Wataru Endo continues to recover from ankle surgery.

Defensive roles are also in flux. Jeremie Frimpong impressed in a brief cameo at right-back, while Calvin Ramsay is available for domestic matches.

On the left, Milos Kerkez was substituted in Istanbul, suggesting Andy Robertson may reclaim his Premier League starting role.

Midfield adjustments may also come. Ryan Gravenberch was the better performer in Istanbul, leaving Alexis Mac Allister vulnerable if Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones is selected in the double pivot. Jones, fresh from an FA Cup goal against Wolves, is likely to feature, with options also including Florian Wirtz or teenage Trey Nyoni.