Mohamed Salah has found himself on the bench in consecutive games for only the second time at Liverpool, but those within the club view his current form as “a blip.”

Salah was named on the bench for the second game running on Wednesday night, having gone unused in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham.

While he was sent on at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Sunderlandthe significance was not lost that this is only the second time in nine seasons that he has been left out of back-to-back fixtures.

The only other occasion was after tearing his hamstring at the Africa Cup of Nations and being eased back in with three substitute appearances in early 2024.

However, Salah’s form this season cannot be overlooked: only five goals and three assists in 19 games, averaging a goal contribution every 190.5 minutes.

What Liverpool sources said about Mo Salah slump

According to theTelegraph‘s Jonathan Northcroft, internally it is simply seen as the Egyptian “having a blip” and soon “there will come a reversion to the mean.”

That may not mean reaching the heights of last season, when Salah scored 34 and assisted 23 in 52 games for a goal involvement every 79 minutes, but the 33-year-old has been largely consistent in how influential he can be.

Salah could, of course, face accusations of lacking the desire he did in 2024/25, having now signed a new two-year contract to become Liverpool’s highest-paid player in history.

But Northcroft explains: “There was nothing, neither in the physical and playing data, nor what was observed of Salah’s attitude and motivation, that pointed to decline when the Egyptian extended his deal.”

Liverpool’s No. 11 is regardless likely to return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s trip to Leedswhich will be one of three final outings before departing for a mid-season AFCON.

When he returns Salah could be subject to further speculation over his future, with claims already this week that he could look for a move to either Saudi Arabia or the United States.

Mohamed Salah transfer latest: Saudi interest

talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook reported, for example, on interest from Saudi sides Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah, though any move is mooted for next summer.

Interestingly, theTelegraph‘s Chris Bascombe wrote after the Sunderland draw on the security Liverpool gained in tying Salah down to a new deal – even if they intend to sell.

“It cannot be ignored that while his new deal last April was celebrated for retaining him for another two years, it also gave Liverpool the insurance of preserving his value should wealthy suitors renew their interest,” he wrote.

“Salah would still command a huge fee.”