In a shocking turn of events, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has sent a clear message to Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian forward dropped from the starting line-up in the Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt. This bold decision marks a significant moment in Salah’s illustrious career at Anfield, raising questions about his future with the club as his form continues to falter.
For the first time since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah found himself on the bench for a second consecutive Champions League match. Facing the prospect of a fifth straight defeat in all competitions, Slot opted for a 4-4-2 formation, deploying Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as the two strikers, with Florian Wirtz taking up the right-wing role traditionally occupied by the Egyptian superstar. This tactical shift paid dividends, as Liverpool secured a commanding 5-1 victory over the Bundesliga side, with Wirtz playing a pivotal role.
The 22-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen star, though not at his best in the first half, proved his worth by providing the assist for Cody Gakpo’s 66th-minute goal. Just four minutes later, Wirtz set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a stunning strike, showcasing his ability to influence the game from the right flank. Salah, introduced as a substitute in the 74th minute, failed to make a significant impact, despite one characteristic run that ended with a wayward shot.
Salah’s struggles this season have been impossible to ignore. The 33-year-old, who signed a new contract with Liverpool in April 2025, has managed just three goals and three assists across all competitions. This dip in form has sparked concerns among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether age is finally catching up with the Premier League icon. While Salah has been a talisman for Liverpool over the years, Slot’s decision to bench him suggests a willingness to make tough calls in pursuit of results.
Liverpool’s victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, while expected given the Reds’ quality, sends a brutal message to Salah: his place in the starting line-up is no longer guaranteed. Slot’s faith in Wirtz, who delivered in his new role, indicates that the young German could be a temporary solution on the right until a long-term successor for Salah is found. The Liverpool faithful will hope that Salah’s poor form is merely a blip, but at 33, there’s a growing realization that his best days may be behind him.
The transfer rumor mill is already buzzing, with Liverpool reportedly eyeing a top winger to eventually replace Salah. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been linked with a surprise January move for an unnamed Liverpool midfielder who was also absent from the starting line-up against Frankfurt. Additionally, with Andy Robertson’s contract nearing its end, the club faces decisions about whether to cash in on the left-back in the upcoming transfer window.
For now, Salah’s immediate challenge is clear: he must rediscover his scoring touch and prove his worth to Slot. While his legacy at Liverpool is secure, the Egyptian star will need to dig deep to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven. As Liverpool march forward under Slot’s leadership, the question remains—can Mohamed Salah rise again, or is this the beginning of the end for one of Anfield’s greatest-ever players?
