Liverpool’s Premier League squad faces uncertainty as Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield comes under the spotlight. Following a series of benchings, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed he will meet with the Egyptian forward to decide his involvement in the upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Salah Benched Amid On-Field and Off-Field Controversy

The 33-year-old Salah, a two-time Premier League champion and UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool, was controversially left on the bench for the 3-3 draw against Leeds United. This marked the third consecutive match in which the Egyptian international did not start, prompting criticism from the player himself.

“I felt thrown under the bus by the club,” Salah told reporters after the Leeds match, reflecting frustration over Liverpool’s slow start to their title defense. The team currently sits 10th in the Premier League with 23 points from 15 matches.

Salah’s omission continued for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win at Inter Milan, sparking rumors of a potential departure. The Saudi Pro League has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the prolific forward, adding fuel to transfer speculation.

Arne Slot to Hold Key Meeting

After Liverpool’s victory in Milan, Slot addressed Salah’s situation cautiously.

“I will have a conversation with Mo this morning. The outcome of that conversation determines how things will look tomorrow,” Slot said, without offering guarantees about the forward’s future at Anfield.

Slot emphasized that he has no reason to prevent Salah from staying at Liverpool but prefers to discuss the matter privately with the player rather than in public.

Ongoing Discussions Between Salah and Liverpool

The Dutch manager confirmed that conversations between Salah, his representatives, and Liverpool officials began after the Sunderland game. These discussions have continued amid the player’s benchings, with the club weighing sporting decisions alongside squad dynamics.

“The decision to play a player or include them in the squad is entirely up to me,” Slot explained, noting his ongoing communication with sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive of football Michael Edwards.

Salah’s International Duty and Club Uncertainty

Salah is scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, leaving Liverpool to maintain their unbeaten run across all competitions. While his teammates have expressed support, his return to Anfield remains uncertain, with Saudi clubs reportedly circling.

Liverpool Squad Updates Ahead of Brighton Match

Liverpool also face uncertainty over striker Alexander Isak, who sustained a knock during the first half against Inter Milan. Slot confirmed that Isak’s fitness will be assessed before deciding whether he can start against Brighton.

Other key updates include:

• Federico Chiesa is available after recovering from illness.
• Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo are expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
• Slot praised the growing partnership between Isak and Hugo Ekitike, highlighting improvements in their on-field chemistry.

“The more they play together, the better they adapt and cooperate. I saw promising things from both of them—it’s only their second game together,” Slot said.

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures and Salah’s potential transfer saga will continue to dominate headlines as the club navigates the challenges of both domestic and international competitions.