Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute as Liverpool beat West Ham; with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, punters should factor a higher chance he won’t start or score in mid‑December. Consider backing Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo as anytime scorers and adjust wagers on Liverpool’s goals totals or starting XI markets if Salah is released for Egypt duty.
Mohamed Salah benched as Liverpool secure win at West Ham
Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute as Liverpool recorded a 2-0 victory at the London Stadium. Manager Arne Slot selected a front three of Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak, with Isak and Gakpo scoring second-half goals to earn the three points.
Slot accepts benching could frustrate Salah but praises professionalism
Slot called it “a fair assumption” that Salah would be unhappy to miss the start, adding that he wasn’t the only player who reacted that way. The manager praised Salah’s behaviour, saying he was supportive of his team-mates and handled the situation professionally, highlighting the forward’s discipline and experience.
Current form, minutes and contract context
Salah had played every league minute before the West Ham game, registering four goals in 12 appearances this season. He finished last season as Liverpool’s top scorer and signed a contract extension late in that campaign. Slot has backed him despite a recent run of four matches without a goal in all competitions.
Africa Cup of Nations looms — club, player and country coordination
Salah is set to link up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Egypt’s first group game on December 22. Slot confirmed there is a standard line of communication between club, player and national team over the call-up, and that FIFA’s deadline for release is December 15.
Betting implications and tactical outlook
With Salah’s benching and the imminent AFCON call-up, punters should monitor starting XI announcements closely. Expect shorter odds on Isak and Gakpo in anytime-goalscorer markets while Salah’s first-goal and starter odds may drift. For matches during the AFCON window, factor Salah’s absence into Liverpool goal totals and accumulator selections. In the short term, consider backing Liverpool to keep clean sheets or under 2.5 goals if Salah is omitted.
Salah dropped by Slot for first time in PL
Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute as Liverpool won at West Ham on Sunday afternoon and Reds manager Arne Slot has been asked about the Egyptian international
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