Mohamed Salah has been excluded from Liverpool\'s Champions League squad for Tuesday\'s clash with Inter Milan following his public criticism of the club and manager Arne Slot. Sources told ESPN the decision was made in consultation with Slot after Salah\'s explosive post-match interview at Elland Road on Saturday.
The 33-year-old forward vented frustrations after remaining on the bench for Liverpool\'s entire 3-3 draw with Leeds United. Despite training with the first team at the AXA Training Centre on Monday morning, club officials determined Salah would not travel to the San Siro.
Sources told ESPN that Liverpool believe a period away from the squad benefits all parties, though Salah will not face formal disciplinary action. The Egypt international\'s availability for Saturday\'s Premier League fixture against Brighton remains uncertain.
The Brighton match would represent Salah\'s final appearance before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah has scored just four goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, marking his least productive campaign since joining Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017.
Liverpool have won only four of their last 15 matches across all competitions. However, sources told ESPN that Slot maintains full backing from the club\'s hierarchy despite the recent struggles and Salah\'s public outburst.
The Reds currently sit 13th in the Champions League table. A positive result in Milan would significantly boost their chances of securing a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
Salah signed a two-year contract extension worth £400,000 per week last summer with 18 months remaining on the deal.
Via Beth Lindop/ESPN