Liverpool tipped to axe Mohamed Salah after early team news pre-Benfica – expert
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could drop Mohamed Salah for tonight’s trip to Benfica with one eye on Sunday’s game against Manchester City.
That is the view of 2000 European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 29-year-olds “exertions” in recent weeks.
Salah started Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday despite playing 210 minutes for Egypt over the international break.
Speaking to club media (4 April), Klopp revealed he has a full squad available for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica.
Phillips believes Salah could be rested ahead of a top-of-the-table clash against Man City on Sunday.
“There is every chance that he’s rested,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“I can see that happening, to be honest. When you look at his exertions this season, the African Cup of Nations, the World Cup qualifiers and the travelling that comes with that it can take its toll.
“He has so much pressure on his shoulders. He is not superhuman. Maybe a little bit of fatigue is setting in.
“We all know Salah, he wants to play and will given the option. Sometimes you have to take the decision out of his hands. I’m sure Klopp and the sports science department are monitoring that.
“Both the games Liverpool have this week are huge but they need to beat City at the weekend. I would keep him fresh for that one.”
In other news, a finance expert has claimed Liverpool are set to bag ‘£10m-plus’ as deal struck that Premier League chiefs will love.