Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said Mohamed Salah is “not distracted” by his contract situation at the club, despite the forward having publicly expressed his disappointment at not being formally offered a new deal.
Salah sparked controversy when he gave a rare interview to reporters after scoring two goals in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
However, a source told ESPN talks between the player’s representatives and Liverpool have been ongoing and positive.
“We want his numbers to be where they are. I don’t think he is distracted. I haven’t seen it. He is just fully focused on the game. These things are in the media and fans talk about it, but the players don’t. I don’t think there is any distraction for him or for the players.”
Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher branded Salah “selfish” for publicly discussing his contract impasse.
However, Slot dismissed that idea, insisting the forward remains focused on delivering on the pitch.
Slot also issued an injury update ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash at Anfield and confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will be in the matchday squad but will not be fit to start against Real Madrid as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury.
The defender is also out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabéu. ESPN understands he is Madrid’s top defensive target following a season-ending injury to Dani Carvajal last month.
Liverpool are also set to be without Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Kostas Tsimikas against Madrid.
Credit : www.espn.co.uk
