Arne Slot played down his decision to drop Mohamed Salah to the Liverpool bench after the Egypt captain remained an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham United.
Salah has scored just four Premier League goals this season, his lowest tally at this stage of any of his nine campaigns on Merseyside.
The 32-year-old has faced growing scrutiny during a poor run that saw the champions lose nine of their previous 12 matches in all competitions before Sunday’s victory at the London Stadium.
Goals from Alexander Isak, his first in the Premier League since completing a £125million move from Newcastle United, and Cody Gakpo secured a much-needed three points for the reigning champions.
Salah, who watched the entire match from the bench, will now be pushing for a recall when in-form Sunderland visit Anfield on Wednesday night.
“Every time I don’t play Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike or Mohamed Salah, it’s about that which is understandable as they are all outstanding players,” Reds boss Slot said.
“Mo has had an unbelievable career at this club and will have a very good future at this club because he is such a special player.
“Four games in 10 days with only 14-15 outfield players available for us, then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game.
“Today, with the way West Ham set-up with a full-back that is constantly high and a winger who is constantly inside, I thought that this could help the team.
“But Mo has been so important for this club and will be important for this club in the future.”
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