Liverpool, December 8, 2025 – Mohamed Salah will be left out of the Liverpool squad travelling to Milan for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League last-16 first leg against Inter after the Egyptian forward gave an explosive post-match interview openly criticising manager Arne Slot for substituting him in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The decision was confirmed by club sources moments after Liverpool completed their final training session at the AXA Training Centre on Monday afternoon. Salah, who has 19 goals and 15 assists this season, told beIN Sports immediately after the Fulham game that he felt “disrespected” by being taken off in the 67th minute despite creating both Reds goals.
“I am playing the best football of my career, and the coach treats me like I am 22 years old again. Everyone saw what I did today. The numbers speak,” the 33-year-old said while still wearing his match jersey in the tunnel.
Slot reacted calmly in his press conference on Monday morning by saying the substitution was tactical and that “no single player is bigger than the team”, but behind the scenes the Dutch coach informed the squad that Salah would remain in Merseyside for “internal reasons”.
Liverpool’s official travelling party of 23 players boarded a private charter flight from John Lennon Airport at 4pm local time without their talisman. Cody Gakpo, Ekitike, Frimpong are all expected to start in attack at the San Siro, with youngster Ben Doak named on the bench for the first time in Europe.
The fallout marks the first public fracture in the previously harmonious relationship between Salah and Slot. The forward’s contract expires in June 2026, and negotiations over an extension have been ongoing for 14 months without agreement.
Sources close to the player say the interview was not premeditated but came from accumulated frustration over minutes management and the club’s reluctance to offer a three-year deal.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp described the situation as “a massive moment” on Sky Sports. “Mo has carried this club for seven years. Leaving him out of such a huge game sends the strongest possible message from Slot that he will not be held to ransom, but it also risks losing the dressing room if results go wrong in Italy,” he said.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, speaking at his pre-match press conference, admitted the absence of Salah “changes some of our defensive plans” but warned that Liverpool remain “extremely dangerous” with their pace on the counter-attack.
Bookmakers have shortened Liverpool’s odds of progressing slightly following the news, reflecting belief that collective discipline may outweigh individual brilliance in a knockout tie.
Salah was seen leaving Kirkby alone shortly after training ended, driving his black Bentley without speaking to waiting reporters. He is expected to train individually at Melwood this week while the team is away.
Club insiders say a reconciliation meeting has already been scheduled for Thursday morning upon the squad’s return, but the events of the next 48 hours could define both the Champions League campaign and Salah’s long-term future at Anfield.
