Mohamed Salah left out as Liverpool rest stars for Southampton clash

Mohamed Salah will not feature for Liverpool when they face Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed the Egyptian forward, along with four teammates, will be given a rest after a demanding run of matches.

Salah has been central to Liverpool’s recent push, including their 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. Slot admitted that while the result was positive, his team failed to take early chances that could have made the afternoon more comfortable.

Speaking to the BBC, Slot said: “It was clear there was a lack of intensity on the offensive side, but the mentality in the second half was amazing. We managed the game very well, but we missed chances badly.”

The Dutch coach noted that Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch had each completed three full matches in the past week. To protect them, none will be involved against Southampton.

“We have a lot of positives, but one moment could have changed everything, and that’s what we need to improve on,” he added.