Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted Mohamed Salah was ‘not happy’ after being dropped for their 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday.

Salah had been an ever present in Liverpool’s starting line-up this season, prior to being named on the bench at the London Stadium.

The Liverpool talisman was among the substitutes as Slot’s side attempted to turn around their alarming run of form, that had seen the Premier League champions lose nine of their previous 12 matches prior to the weekend’s fixture.

Salah remained on the bench for the duration of the 90 minutes, as Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool and a late Cody Gakpo strike secured a 2-0 win to ease pressure on Slot.

The Liverpool head coach admitted Salah was disappointed to have been left out, but praised the Egyptian as a ‘top professional’ and stressed he remains a key player moving forwards. 

‘It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,’ Slot said.

Arne Slot has admitted Mohamed Salah was ‘not happy’ to be dropped against West Ham

Slot praised Salah’s professional response having been left out for the crucial 2-0 victory

‘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.

‘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 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.’

Salah could yet return to the starting line-up as Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old will remain available for Liverpool’s next four matches, before he leaves to join Egypt’s squad for the African Cup of Nations. 

Slot confirmed Salah will leave on December 15 to join Egypt’s squad ahead of the tournament, which will run until January 18.

‘It’s 15 December,’ Slot said.

‘But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.’

The date means Salah will be available for matches against Sunderland, Leeds, Inter Milan and Brighton, with the final fixture in the run falling on December 13.