According to reliable journalist Paul Joyce, the Northern Football Correspondent for The Times, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is considering leaving Mohamed Salah out of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Benfica tonight.
The latest: Salah’s dip in form
Since returning from Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak with Egypt, Salah has scored just twice in open play for the Reds, most recently against Norwich in February.
Despite netting three times from the penalty spot and providing two Premier League assists in nine appearances in that time, questions have arisen regarding the 29-year-old’s form.
As Klopp considers team selection for the quarter-final second leg at Anfield, Salah could be in line for a rest…
The latest: Big decision for Klopp
As per his report from The Times, Joyce has suggested that the German could take the forward ‘out of the firing line’ as the Reds look to book a semi-final clash against Villarreal.
It is stated that Klopp is ‘weighing up’ whether Salah should be among those rotated as Liverpool take a 3-1 advantage into the game at Anfield tonight.
The 82-cap superstar was replaced shortly after the hour mark in Portugal, having failed to add to his eight Champions League goals during the 2021/22 campaign.
The verdict: Klopp’s dilemma
Whilst the need to rest Salah has been evident for all to see in recent weeks, there were signs of the Egyptian playing himself back into form against Manchester City in a performance which contained one assist, three key passes and two big chances created (Sofascore).
As the season reaches its pivotal stage, all connected with Liverpool will want the forward with 28 goals and 11 assists already this term firing on all cylinders.
In order to reach those levels once again, sticking with the man described as ‘exceptional’ by Klopp from the outset against Benfica and hopefully reinstalling some confidence in front of goal would be the desired option.
In other news, Liverpool eye move for Serie A defender. Read more here.