Embattled Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has been left out of Liverpool’s squad for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Serie A side Inter Milan.
The club opted to exclude Salah from selection after his explosive Saturday interview, in which he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down.
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The decision was reportedly taken by sporting director Richard Hughes in conjunction with the club’s ownership and Slot, signalling full backing for the Dutch manager.
Salah trained with his teammates on Monday but said after the draw at Leeds United, his third consecutive game on the bench and the second in which he did not feature, that he believed he had been made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s struggles this season.
Liverpool’s attacking options for the trip to Italy have been further weakened, with Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa also not travelling. Slot will now rely on Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Rio Ngumoha, and Florian Wirtz in attack.
The move relates strictly to squad selection, and no formal disciplinary action will be taken.
Salah, who is set to depart for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next Monday, is also expected to miss Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday.
Liverpool’s 19-man squad flew to Milan on Monday afternoon.
