Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has disclosed that Mohamed Salah’s premature departure from Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash was at the Egyptian forward’s own request. The revelation came during the manager’s post-match briefing following a dominant 4–0 second-leg victory over Galatasaray at Anfield. The result successfully overturned a first-leg deficit, securing a 4–1 aggregate triumph and propelling the Merseyside giants into a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain next month.
Salah, who found the back of the net to help dismantle the Turkish Süper Lig titleholders, was replaced by Cody Gakpo in the 75th minute. While the substitution initially appeared to be a move to rest the veteran attacker given the comfortable scoreline, Slot clarified that the change was necessitated by a physical concern raised by the player himself. The timing of the knock is particularly sensitive as Liverpool prepares for a critical Premier League encounter against Brighton this coming weekend.
Relaying the manager’s comments, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano captured Slot’s cautious assessment of the situation:
“Mo Salah asked for a substitution. He felt something… so let’s see where he is for the weekend.”
The Egyptian international’s availability remains the primary concern for the Reds’ medical staff as they transition back to domestic duties. Having played a pivotal role in ensuring Liverpool’s progression to the final eight of Europe’s elite competition, Salah’s potential absence would be a significant blow to a side currently fighting on multiple fronts. Supporters will be anxiously awaiting further updates from the AXA Training Centre to see if their talismanic “Egyptian King” is cleared for the trip to the Amex Stadium.
With the quarter-final draw now confirmed, the prospect of facing PSG adds another layer of intensity to Liverpool’s April schedule. Slot’s ability to manage the fitness of his core stars like Salah will be the defining factor in whether the club can navigate this congested period and reclaim continental glory.
About the Author
