Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced the media on Tuesday ahead of his side’s clash with Real Madrid and was unsurprisingly asked about the future of his star man.
The Reds welcome the reigning Champions League winners to Anfield, looking to continue their 100% start to their European campaign.
But speculation continued around Mohamed Salah. who is out of contract at the end of the season. The Egyptian recently fuelled the flames by explaining that he was more “out than in” after the win over Southampton.
Slot was keen not to be drawn into a war of words with his talisman though, joking that he was more “in than out” of his starting XIs. He reiterated the forward is “fully focused” on facing Real Madrid, adding “I don’t think there is any distraction at all.”
On the game ahead, Slot also discussed the pressure behind the moment and provided an update on his squad’s fitness.
“It’s a big game. Real Madrid and Manchester City dominated Europe and the league, along with Liverpool. A special week for us. If you are Liverpool, you always play in big games. But this week is special.”
On injuries, Slot continued that Diogo Jota, Alisson and Kostas Tsimikas are all absent.
“Trent is in the squad but not available to start. Maybe play a few minutes but in an ideal world, not. Federico is not in the squad yet. Training with us in parts of the session. Harvey Elliott is in the team but ready to start. Alisson not there yet. Diogo not there yet. Kostas not there. It’s quite a list for us.”
Liverpool currently sit first in the new Champions League table.
📸 PAUL ELLIS – AFP or licensors