Introduction
The name Mohamed Salah — known to millions simply as “Mo” — has long been synonymous with brilliance, consistency, and goal-scoring at Liverpool FC. For over eight years, Salah dazzled at Anfield, becoming not just a fan favourite but a club legend. Yet in recent weeks, something has changed dramatically. For the first time in his Liverpool career, he’s been dropped from the starting lineup multiple times. He sat on the bench — unused — in consecutive games. Publicly frustrated, Salah stated he felt “thrown under the bus.” Now, speculation is rife that his Anfield chapter could be ending imminently. This article delves into why Salah is not playing today, what that might mean for his future at Liverpool — and whether a departure is on the cards.
What’s Going On: Why Salah Is Not Playing
Tactical Rotation and Defensive Concerns
One of the immediate explanations for Salah’s exclusion is tactical. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool appear to be adjusting their defensive setup. For instance, in a recent match, Slot decided to forgo Salah’s offensive presence on the wing in favour of more defensive solidity. Analysts note that with Liverpool’s worrying run of form, the manager is under pressure to shore up the defense — even if it means benching one of the club’s greatest goalscorers.
This season, Salah has registered only five goals in 18 appearances (across competitions) — a significant dip by his standards. In a team under stress, form and defensive contribution seem to matter more than reputation.
Squad Rotation / Managing Workload & Fixtures
Another practical explanation offered by the club: rotation. With a congested schedule, heavy competition, and several new attacking signings, Liverpool may be trying to rotate to manage energy levels and reduce risk.
Although rotation typically implies shared minutes among attackers, what makes the situation unique is that Salah hasn’t just been rested — he’s been left unused on the bench. And that, given his status, has raised eyebrows.
Breakdown in Relationship — Protest or Pressure?
But beyond tactics and rotation, the deeper issue appears to be personal and relational. In a frank post-match interview after being on the bench vs. Leeds United — his third straight game off the bench — Salah didn’t mince words. He exclaimed that he felt betrayed, claiming he had been “thrown under the bus.”
He further admitted that he no longer had the relationship he once did with Arne Slot. The feelings of betrayal stem from promises reportedly made in the summer — promises that, in Salah’s view, have not been kept.
Salah also indicated scepticism over whether someone internally at the club wants him to stay. “Someone doesn’t want me in the club,” he said, and suggested the upcoming home game could be his last before a break for international duty.
Many interpret this not just as frustration, but as a signal — perhaps a strategic one — that he may be ready to leave.
What Has Changed: Context From Recent Performance & Club Dynamics
To understand why the shift has been so sharp, it helps to look back at the recent trajectory:
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Earlier in the season, Salah appeared out-of-form: significantly fewer goals and assists compared to past seasons.
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Liverpool have heavily invested in new attacking players — increasing competition for forward/flank spots.
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As the club’s results deteriorated, defensive frailties forced tactical reconsiderations, making Salah’s more offense-heavy style less favourable under current circumstances.
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The summer contract extension — which at the time seemed to promise continued commitment — is now portrayed by Salah as an agreement where certain assurances have not been honoured.
Given these pressures — on performance, team balance, and interpersonal relations — what once looked like a safe long-term relationship between player and club now seems fragile.
The Fallout: What Salah Said and What It Means
What has captured global headlines is what Salah said after being omitted again. In his post-match media comments:
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He explicitly stated he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club.
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He claimed the promises made after his contract extension were broken.
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He admitted his relationship with the manager is “gone,” and that he’s not sure how long he’ll remain at Liverpool.
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He hinted that the upcoming home match might be his goodbye — at least for now — before travelling for national duty with Egypt national football team.
For a player of his stature — a long-term servant of the club, a record scorer, and fan darling — such statements are seismic. They’ve triggered widespread speculation:not just among fans, but within the media and club management. Mo Salah.
Could This Be The End? Is Salah Leaving Liverpool?
The signs increasingly point toward a potential exit. A few key things to note:
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The very public airing of grievances suggests frustration has reached a threshold; keeping everything behind closed doors no longer seems viable.
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Several analysts and pundits believe that it’s unlikely Salah will see out the full tenure of his contract — which on paper extends beyond this season.
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The club’s priorities may be shifting. With new forwards and tactical demands, Salah’s traditional attacking role may have less place.
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International duty looms: Salah is expected to join Egypt for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON). That break gives a natural opening for a fresh start elsewhere — and potentially a clean exit from Liverpool.
That said — exits are rarely simple. The coming days and weeks are likely to determine whether this is a temporary rupture or a full-blown departure. Mo Salah.
What Others Say: Media, Fans, and Experts React
Reactions have been mixed across supporters, pundits, and the broader football community.
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Some fans express shock and sadness at the abrupt shift — after almost a decade of loyalty and stellar performances.
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Others believe that form matters and that no player, however legendary, is above team needs or tactical logic.
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Commentators argue that Salah’s public statements may be strategic pressure — or a last resort to force change.
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There’s also talk of interest from clubs outside England, especially given prior links between Salah and outfits in the Saudi Pro League.
In short: what’s at stake is far more than a benching. It’s a question of loyalty, legacy, contract, and — perhaps — a final chapter. Mo Salah.
Possible Scenarios: What Could Happen Next
Here are some of the likely paths forward:
| Scenario | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Reconciliation & Return | Manager and club mend fences with Salah; he returns to starting XI — perhaps for final games before AFCON. |
| Muted Departure After AFCON | Salah plays a last few games, then leaves — likely during January transfer window. |
| Sudden Exit Before January | Given tensions, a mid-season transfer — perhaps to Saudi Pro League or elsewhere. |
| Contract Stand-Off + Bench Stay | Salah remains contracted, but stays out of favour — a prolonged source of tension and distraction. |
Which scenario unfolds will depend not just on talent or performance — but on relationships, club politics, finance, and Salah’s own willingness to stay or depart. Mo Salah.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is Mo Salah injured?
A: No. According to recent reports, Salah is not sidelined with any injury. His omission from the lineup is tactical/managerial rather than health-related.
Q: Did the manager say why he dropped Salah?
A: Yes. The manager, Arne Slot, cited defensive concerns and tactical adjustments as the reason for benching Salah. He suggested the team needed greater defensive balance — which meant omitting Salah in favour of other personnel.
Q: Is Salah actually leaving Liverpool?
A: Nothing is official yet. However, Salah’s own comments — expressing feelings of betrayal and signalling uncertainty — have made many believe a departure is increasingly likely. Several analysts expect he may exit during the January transfer window.
Q: Where could he go if he leaves?
A: While no concrete offer has been confirmed yet, speculation has previously linked him to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Given his profile and the interest in marquee players, that remains a plausible destination.
Q: Could this all be temporary?
A: Yes — that’s among the possible scenarios. If relations thaw and performance improves, Salah might reclaim his spot. But given the public nature of his comments, a return might require significant reconciliation efforts. Mo Salah.
Conclusion
The story of Mo Salah at Liverpool — one of the greatest football narratives of the past decade — may be approaching a bittersweet turning point. Once the face of Liverpool’s attacking prowess, Salah now finds himself on the bench, publicly airing grievances, and hinting at an exit.
Whether this is a temporary lapse, a standoff, or a definitive goodbye, depends on many moving parts: the club’s willingness to address concerns, the manager’s tactical vision, Salah’s own ambitions, and how much patience remains on both sides.
For fans, it’s a painful moment: questions about loyalty, respect, and identity swirl — alongside uncertainty about what the future holds. And for Salah, it might be time to ask not just whether he plays today — but where he plays next.
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