Liverpool returned to form with a composed win at West Ham, but all eyes were on Mohamed Salah as Arne Slot confirmed the forward will leave on December 15 to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. It marks the start of a vital stretch for the club and for a player who continues to carry enormous responsibility for both country and team. The announcement added another layer of intrigue to a performance that mixed relief, promise, and careful squad management.
Salah’s impending departure comes at a delicate moment for Liverpool. His absence for nearly a month will test the depth Slot has worked to rebuild in his first season. The manager framed the situation with calm authority and praised Salah’s attitude after the striker was left on the bench against West Ham.
Liverpool’s win at the London Stadium came through goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. The result stopped a run of three league defeats and restored some much needed confidence. Slot admitted that dropping Salah for the first time since April 2024 was never going to be a decision without emotion.
The Dutchman addressed that reality with honesty. “That is a fair assumption and a normal reaction from a player that is good enough to play for us,” he said. Slot stressed that Salah remained supportive throughout the day and handled the decision with his usual discipline. His words painted the picture of a player driven by professionalism rather than frustration.
The night also offered fresh optimism for Liverpool’s attack. Isak scored his first league goal for the club. Florian Wirtz impressed again after missing nearly two weeks of training. Their contributions carried significance as Liverpool prepare for a stretch without Salah.
Slot urged caution with his selections ahead of the midweek match against Sunderland. He said he will assess fitness levels before naming his team. Wirtz and Joe Gomez both pushed close to their limits. Isak also reported cramp after the match. These small details reveal a manager working through a demanding schedule with patience.
