Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed recent speculation concerning Mohamed Salah’s future. Slot recently benched Salah for two consecutive matches. However, the manager insists the Egyptian forward remains a vital part of his plans.

Salah, aged 33, has experienced a slow start to the Premier League season. He has only scored four goals so far. Additionally, he has played just 45 minutes across Liverpool’s last two matches. This reduced playing time has raised questions about his current form. It has also sparked renewed speculation about interest from Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Pro League is reportedly still monitoring Salah’s situation. Sources indicate a long-standing admiration for the Liverpool star. Despite this, Salah signed a new two-year contract in April. This deal keeps him at Anfield until 2027.

Slot Emphasizes Salah’s Undeniable Quality

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Slot stressed that Salah’s immense quality has not been forgotten. “I think every player in my mind can start,” Slot stated. “Mo is an exceptional player for us.”

He continued, “He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench.” Slot made these comments ahead of Liverpool’s Saturday clash with Leeds United at 6:30 p.m.

Last season, Salah was instrumental under Slot, scoring 29 goals. Liverpool went on to win the league title in Slot’s inaugural year. Despite this, he was an unused substitute in the recent victory at West Ham. He also started on the bench during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield.

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

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances. He has firmly cemented his place as one of the club’s most important modern players.

Van Dijk: No Player is Guaranteed a Spot

Captain Virgil van Dijk weighed in on the decision to bench Salah. He suggested it proves no one is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup. “He is still a fantastic player,” Van Dijk said after the Sunderland draw. “We still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club, and we have to respect that.”

“I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried,” Van Dijk added. “He’s disappointed, but that’s absolutely normal. If you’re not disappointed when you’re not playing two games in a row, then there is an issue as well.”

Van Dijk reiterated the team’s ethos. “That’s always been the case [that no one is undroppable]. It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform.”

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