Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker says Mohamed Salah’s exclusion from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan is simply a consequence of the forward’s own actions.
Salah, 33, was left out of the 19-man group after his explosive post-match interview following Liverpool’s game against Leeds United on 7 December, in which he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.
Speaking on Monday, Becker told reporters:
“Salah not being available is just a consequence of what he did, and he is smart enough to know that. I didn’t speak to Mo about it. We share good moments, happy moments, so that creates a bond. We will have a conversation, but that is personal.”
Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool and won two Premier League titles and a Champions League during his eight-year spell at Anfield, but his recent involvement has been limited. He was benched in last month’s 2-0 win at West Ham United, came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland, and was left unused again at Leeds.
Ahead of the Inter fixture, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he had “no clue” whether Salah had already played his final match for the club. Becker, however, hopes the situation can still be resolved.
“I hope he plays again for the club. That’s a personal situation between Mo and the club,” the Brazilian goalkeeper said. “We, as his teammates and friends, want the best for him, but as Liverpool players we also want the best for the club. We want a win-win situation for everyone.”
Salah has scored five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season and suggested he was being used as a scapegoat for Liverpool’s struggles. The Reds sit 10th in the Premier League after 15 matches, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
