Liverpool: Mohamed Salah a top professional after being dropped – Arne Slot

“This is a normal reaction from a player good enough to play for us, and I say that in moderation because he has been outstanding for this club for many years and will continue to be so in the future,” Slot said.

“He wasn’t the only one who wasn’t happy about not starting, and that’s okay.”

Despite the disappointment, Slot said Salah “handled himself really well”.

“He is so disciplined that he knows what he needs to do to stay in shape,” Slot said.

“Whether he plays well or not, whether he plays or not, he will always be the top professional, and he was that way the last two days.

“All players around the world have phases during their time at the club where they become human too. He has scored a lot of goals for us and I’m sure he will do so in the future.”

Slot also confirmed that Liverpool will be without Salah from December 15 when they travel to the Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt.

“We have to find a way to play without him because he won’t be here,” Slot said.

Reigning champion Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

They will host sixth-placed Sunderland, who was in the relegation zone before Saturday’s away game at Leeds, on Wednesday.