Mo Salah: African star expected to miss Inter clash as Liverpool react to controversial interview

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is expected to be left out of the squad for the club’s upcoming match against Inter Milan following his explosive interview at the weekend, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Salah had sparked major shockwaves after claiming Liverpool had thrown him under the bus following his third consecutive game on the bench under manager Arne Slot.

Meanwhile, there has been speculations on his involvement in Liverpool’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Inter with The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirming his likely omission.

Salah trained with the squad on Monday, as reported by Sky Sports, but his involvement in the match remains doubtful as the club manages the fallout from his public criticism of the team and manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool Leaning Toward Leaving Salah Out

Ornstein reports that no final decision has been made, but Liverpool are strongly considering excluding the 33-year-old from the Inter fixture.

The move is described internally as a matter of common sense rather than punishment, as the club aims to keep tensions under control after Salah’s interview drew global attention.

Mo Salah Still Trains Despite Weekend Storm

Sky Sports confirmed that Salah took part in Liverpool’s training session despite the uncertainty surrounding his place in the matchday squad.

The club is said to want him to remain at Anfield, but his recent comments have intensified speculation about his future.

The forward has been benched for three consecutive matches, a run he said he did not understand, arguing that he has earned his position after years of contribution.

Selection Call Seen as Cooling Measures, Not Discipline

Ornstein reports that leaving Salah out of the Inter game is not a disciplinary step. Instead, the club believes giving him space before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations may help calm the situation.

The controversy has sparked reactions across the football world, including former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who urged Salah to stay calm and avoid making public statements at a sensitive time.

“I can imagine how you feel. You’ve carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win. But this is a team game and you simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said. You’re going to afcon in a week. Surely you bite your lip, enjoy representing your country and see how the land lies when you get back?” the former Liverpool forward wrote on his X. 

What Next for Salah?

Salah is set to join Egypt for AFCON preparatory clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria within days, and his absence from the Inter squad may further fuel talk of a potential January departure.

However, Liverpool maintain they want him to stay.

The forward, as it stands, remains in training, but a decision on his place in the squad is expected shortly.