Mohamed Salah’s starting spot against PSG under scrutiny after FA Cup stinker

Mohamed Salah’s position in Liverpool’s starting lineup for the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain is under intense scrutiny following a dismal performance in the FA Cup.

The Egyptian forward endured a afternoon to forget at the Etihad Stadium on April 4, 2026, as Liverpool was eliminated from the competition in a 4-0 quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.

Salah’s uncharacteristic wastefulness was at the forefront of the Reds’ exit. He missed two “gilt-edged” opportunities early in the match that could have altered the momentum before City took control.

His struggles culminated in the 64th minute when, with Liverpool trailing 4-0, his penalty was saved by James Trafford.

This marked Salah’s 13th career penalty miss and served as a low point in what has been described as a “season to forget” for the 33-year-old attacker.

The timing of this slump is particularly concerning for manager Arne Slot, as the first leg against PSG at the Parc des Princes is scheduled for April 8.

While Salah has been a talisman in Europe – recently scoring his 50th Champions League goal against Galatasaray – his recent form has led to calls for rotation. Slot substituted Salah in the 78th minute against City for Federico Chiesa, who is now being touted as a potential replacement for the trip to Paris.

Despite the pressure, Slot has publicly defended Salah’s ‘mental strength,’ citing his ability to bounce back from previous setbacks.

However, with the FA Cup and Premier League title hopes effectively over, the Champions League represents Liverpool’s only remaining path to silverware.

Slot must now decide whether to trust his veteran star in what could be his final European campaign for the club or turn to fresher options to navigate a “crippling injury crisis” that already includes the absence of Alisson Becker.