Salah, who has now been benched for three consecutive matches under Arne Slot, stunned reporters following Saturday’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Leeds United by suggesting that next weekend’s clash with Brighton could be his final appearance for the club. The 33-year-old accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and insisted he should not have to fight for his place after years of top-level performances.

Slot’s decision to drop Salah has fueled tension inside the dressing room, yet Van Dijk made clear that reputation alone does not secure anyone a spot in the starting XI. Speaking after the midweek draw with Sunderland, the Liverpool captain emphasized that standards must apply equally to every player.

“It’s simple nobody has unlimited credit,” Van Dijk said. “Everyone has to perform. Mo has done that for a long time, but the manager made his decision. We all want what’s best for the club.”

Despite acknowledging Salah’s frustration, the Dutch defender insisted the forward remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions. “He’s a fantastic player. We need him, and he needs us. But we all have to be at our best if we want consistency.”

Salah, however, appears far from reassured. The forward claimed his previously positive relationship with Slot has suddenly deteriorated, saying: “I’ve said many times that we had a good relationship and now, suddenly, we have no relationship. I don’t know why. It feels like I’m being made the one to blame.”

His comments have ignited a storm of speculation, with European and Saudi clubs expected to monitor the situation closely ahead of the January transfer window.

Whether Salah will be reintegrated or whether the rift has reached a breaking point remains uncertain. Liverpool returns to Anfield next weekend, but all eyes will be on whether the Egyptian King is part of Slot’s plans or preparing a dramatic farewell.