Arne Slot’s latest comments suggest a shock choice on Salah for the Sunderland game.

Arne Slot has hinted he could once again leave Mohamed Salah out of the starting lineup when Liverpool face Sunderland next week.

Liverpool travel to take on Regis Le Bris’ in-form Black Cats on Wednesday, as they look to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September.

Salah’s place is far from guaranteed

Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, Slot suggested Salah may not walk straight back into the XI.

“We’ve played four games in ten days. These players are top quality,” the 47-year-old told BBC MOTD. “Mo has been hugely important for the club and will continue to be, so we’ll see what happens on Wednesday.”

It would be a surprising decision, especially after Salah was benched for the win over West Ham — a call that ultimately didn’t harm Liverpool, with others such as Florian Wirtz stepping up.

Liverpool’s performance vs West Ham
• 1.26 xG
• 5 shots on target
• 3 big chances created
• 2 big chances missed
• 20 touches in the opposition box

A rare selection gamble from Slot?

Seeing Salah left out for two straight league games would be highly unusual. The last time it happened was in the 2023/24 season, when he was injured — not dropped.

To be clear, the win at the London Stadium wasn’t down to Salah being left out. And many fans would welcome his return to the starting XI against Sunderland.

But with Liverpool’s season stuttering and pressure mounting on Slot, a bold stance might be his way of reminding the squad what’s expected.

And there are few decisions bolder than benching a modern Liverpool icon.