Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England. AFP
Salah, 33, has scored four league goals this season as Liverpool endure a poor start, winning only twice in their past nine games. The forward has played just 45 minutes across Liverpool’s last two fixtures and was an unused substitute in Sunday’s win at West Ham before coming off the bench in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
“I think every player in my mind can start, and Mo is an exceptional player for us,” Slot told reporters on Friday. “He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench.”
Salah, who signed a two-year extension in April amid renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League, has again attracted attention, with sources telling BBC Sport that Saudi clubs remain keen to sign the winger. His deal runs until 2027.
Slot said he understands the scrutiny surrounding Salah’s reduced role.
“The chatter is normal because he deserves that,” he said. “He has been so influential for me and for the club for six or seven years. It’s completely normal people talk about it when he isn’t playing.”
Salah scored 29 goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won the Premier League title in Slot’s first campaign in charge.
Liverpool, who sit ninth in the table and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, travel to Leeds United on Saturday. Salah has scored nine goals in six league games against Leeds, and Slot has given no indication on whether he will restore him to the starting side.
Salah is expected to join Egypt on 15 December ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on 21 December in Morocco.
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