Mohamed Salah has been dropped by Liverpool for the second consecutive game by manager Arne Slot, marking a significant shift in his role at the club. Despite a historic season last year where Salah won the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals and earned individual awards, his current form has dipped, with only five goals and three assists in 18 appearances this season. This decline has led to his being benched, including in Liverpool's recent 2-0 win at West Ham, where he was an unused substitute. Slot praised Salah as a 'top professional' for handling the situation well, despite evident disappointment, and highlighted his discipline and professionalism. The manager indicated that Salah's absence from the starting lineup is part of strategic rotation due to a congested schedule and the need to adapt tactics, especially as opponents target the space left by Salah's advanced position. With Salah set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15, Liverpool faces the challenge of maintaining performance without their star forward for potentially seven matches. The team is experimenting with different formations and player roles, such as deploying Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai in more central and creative positions, aiming to create a more balanced and connected team. Slot emphasized the importance of managing Salah's minutes and preparing for his absence, which could extend beyond the AFCON tournament. Despite the setbacks, Salah remains a highly valued player, and his future at Liverpool depends on regaining his scoring form and adapting to the team's evolving tactics.