Liverpool head to Inter Milan without Mohamed Salah after Arne Slot decided to leave the forward at home
The last time Liverpool were on their travels in the Champions League, problems with the plane meant they were unable to turn up for the usual pre-match press conference. On this latest journey into Europe, however, the focus was entirely on whether just one individual would make the trip.
It transpired Mohamed Salah’s explosive interview having been left unused on the bench for the 3-3 Premier League draw at Leeds United on Saturday was sufficient for the club, in consultation with head coach Arne Slot, to remove the Egyptian from selection for a short period and not include him for tonight’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan.
Casting doubt on both the immediate and long-term Liverpool future of Salah, the reverberations of his premeditated outburst are likely to resonate for long after the winger departs for Africa Cup of Nations duty after the weekend.
If time apart may in some respects be a positive, it does open the door to the possibility of Salah airing his grievances on a more regular basis given likely expected media duties during the tournament. That, though, is a potential problem that can wait.
The primary issue now for Slot is to negotiate a tie which, while already tricky, has become even more difficult due to circumstances.
With Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa having not travelled due to injury concerns, Liverpool now have only three recognised attacking options – summer signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, along with 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
Those who argue those absences mean Liverpool are performing an act of potential self-harm by leaving out Salah are spectacularly missing the point. The damage done by his comments will not be repaired overnight, and the club had to be seen to react even if it is not being regarded as a direct punishment for the player.
And there was no chance of Liverpool not giving Slot their full backing as he continues to seek the right formula to drag his team’s season back on track.
The club’s decision to appoint the Dutchman was vindicated with the Premier League title being won – with Salah revived to inspirational levels by the head coach – and, having bankrolled a major summer spending spree, they are more than willing to show patience that matters can turn around.
Indeed, had Salah not gone public with his feelings on Saturday, he would have almost certainly been back in the starting line-up at the San Siro. That he misses out is a situation entirely of his own making.
Those who are part of a slimmed-down 19-man squad will acknowledge the importance of Liverpool gaining a result, both in the context of an ongoing difficult season and their attempts to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.
The horrific 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven a fortnight ago means the Reds have work to do to ensure the bare minimum of a top 24 finish, never mind a place in the top eight that would remove the need for a play-off in February.
Concluding the opening stage in the New Year with a home game against Qarabag and a trip to Marseille, it isn’t going to be straightforward. And, for the under-pressure Slot, a positive result at the San Siro would be another small step forward and extend the current unbeaten run to four games.
Inter stand a point behind champions Napoli at the top of Serie A and are fourth in the Champions League table having won four of their five games, although they were beaten 2-1 at Atletico Madrid last time out. Liverpool are 13th.
The Reds, though, have a good record at the San Siro, having won on their last four visits after controversially being defeated in their first way back in the 1965 European Cup semi-final second leg against Inter.
“We are facing a very good team that has been a big force in the Champions League the last few seasons, twice reaching the final,” said Slot.
“We know we are facing a very strong team tomorrow and that’s always the biggest challenge in the game. They have a very disciplined team and a very experienced team and a lot of quality.”
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is in agreement. “Inter are playing well and have so much quality,” he said. “They have great strikers, midfielders, defenders and a great goalkeeper.
“We want to play our best, you can expect a Liverpool side that wants to show the will to win and improve our current situation. Play good football and winning football. It won’t be in any way easy, we are well aware Inter are a very good side. We know it’s a huge challenge.”
