Slot insists Reds have moved on from Salah saga

Arne Slot declared that Liverpool have “moved on” from the saga surrounding Mohamed Salah, as they prepare to face Tottenham with their record Premier League goalscorer now at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Liverpool’s recent fixtures have been overshadowed by the situation between Slot and Salah, who claimed after being left on the bench for a third successive game, a 3-3 draw with Leeds United, earlier this month that he had been “thrown under the bus”.

Salah was subsequently left out of the squad for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win at Inter Milan, before coming off the bench to provide the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion last Saturday.

Slot: Liverpool have moved on

His reintegration into the team suggested fences have been mended, though it is unclear whether Salah will still be a Liverpool player by the end of the January transfer window, as speculation around a potential move to Saudi Arabia persists.

But, for Slot, the matter is closed for the time being, with Salah’s focus solely on winning AFCON with Egypt for the first time. He has been on the losing side in the final in 2017 and 2021.

“I said last week, actions speak louder than words,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference.

“We moved on, he was in the squad and was the first substitution I made. Now he’s got AFCON and will play some big games so it’s only fair that all focus is on them.”

“More coming” from Liverpool

Liverpool face Spurs while dealing with several injury issues.

Cody Gakpo is set to miss out with a muscle injury, while Joe Gomez will be unavailable because of a hamstring problem.

There is hope, though, that Dominik Szoboszlai can be involved in North London. The Hungarian has arguably been Liverpool’s best player this season but was forced off against Brighton with an ankle injury.

“He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising, so we’re not that worried anymore,” Slot explained. “He might come back earlier than expected, but definitely not tomorrow.

“Joe is not in the squad as well. Dominik trained yesterday for the first time. We’ll see where he’s at today.”

“That [Szoboszlai playing] completely depends on how well he does today and then we speak to the player and the medical staff. If the player feels comfortable and does all the things he needs to do, then he will start. Dom would be a starter tomorrow if he’s completely fit.”

Liverpool have endured a very difficult season in their defence of the Premier League title to which they cantered in the previous campaign. The Reds are 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, but could move into the top four if they prevail and Chelsea suffer defeat at Newcastle United earlier on Saturday.

“I hope we will all see this in results, but I think we are progressing,” Slot said.

“I had to play players who weren’t fit too many times this season. I’m not talking only about the new players. I see players progressing in terms of their fitness and, as a result of that, their performances. I think we are definitely making progress.

“Winning always gives a good feeling and a spirit after so many changes in the summer. The league table is so close together that winning or losing matters a lot. 

“The main focus for us is to build on the last five games. We were solid defensively. That’s a good base, combined with the players getting more and more ready to compete at Premier League intensity. I think there is more coming from us.”