Mohamed Salah will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on or before December 15, but Arne Slot insists the Liverpool forward will still feature in the Premier League match against Brighton on December 13.
The Reds now shift gears as they get ready for a spell without their most lethal attacker.
Slot made it clear that discussions between Egypt, the player and the club shaped the agreement.
“It [the deadline] is the 15th of December. As always there is the nation involved, the player involved and the club. There are always talks about what is the best for all three of us,” Slot said. “We have to find a way to play without him as he’ll not be here. That’s true.”
Before jetting off for international duty, Salah is expected to stay active in domestic competitions. Liverpool face Sunderland on Wednesday night, and Slot confirmed that the Egyptian forward remains fully available.
Slot also revisited Salah’s reaction to being benched in the game against West Ham. It was an unusual call, but one the manager stood by.
“It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us – and I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting but he wasn’t the only one.”
He added: “But the way he behaved was as you’d expect from such a professional: he supported his teammates and handled himself really well.
“You can’t be a player that has to play every three days to a high standard but he’s so disciplined and knows what to do to stay fit. Whether he plays well, doesn’t play well, plays or doesn’t play, he’ll always be that top professional.”
With the continental showpiece fast approaching, Liverpool fans now brace for a critical stretch without their talisman. And Slot knows every tactical adjustment will matter as the Reds push to stay sharp in the Premier League title race.
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