Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed recent speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future. The forward was benched in Liverpool’s last two matches. Slot insists the Egyptian remains a vital part of his team’s plans.

Salah, 33, has experienced a slow start to the Premier League season. He has scored only four goals so far. He played just 45 minutes across Liverpool’s last two fixtures. This reduced role has sparked questions about his form. It also reignited transfer rumours, especially regarding interest from Saudi Arabia.

Sources confirm the Saudi Pro League continues to monitor Salah’s situation. There is long-standing admiration for the Liverpool star. However, Salah signed a new two-year contract in April. This deal keeps him at Anfield until 2027.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Slot emphasized Salah’s undeniable quality. “Mo is an exceptional player for us,” Slot stated. “He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench.” The manager made these comments ahead of Liverpool’s match against Leeds United.

Last season, Salah scored 29 goals. Liverpool won the league title in Slot’s inaugural year. Yet, he was an unused substitute in the recent win against West Ham. He also started on the bench during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield.

Slot acknowledged the public discussion surrounding Salah. “The chatter, yes, because he deserves that,” Slot added. “He has been so influential for me for six or seven years. People normally talk about it when he isn’t playing.”

Salah joined Liverpool in 2017. Since then, he has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances. He has firmly established himself as one of the club’s most significant modern players.

Van Dijk on Squad Rotation

Captain Virgil van Dijk also commented on the situation. He suggested the decision highlights that no player is guaranteed a starting spot. “He is still a fantastic player,” Van Dijk said after the Sunderland draw. “We must remember there is a reason he has been so successful.”

Van Dijk further stressed Salah’s importance as a leader. “I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried,” he affirmed. “He’s disappointed, but that’s normal. Not being disappointed when benched would be an issue.”

He reiterated the team’s philosophy. “That’s always been the case that no one is undroppable. Everyone has to perform. It’s not like you have unlimited credit.”

Liverpool currently sits ninth in the league standings. They are 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. The team has secured only two wins from their past nine league fixtures.