Following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, Salah criticised the club and manager Arne Slot. ..Continue Reading
After being named a substitute for the third time in one week, he said he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club and insisted he had no relationship with Slot.
Even though he trained with the squad on Monday, he was not included in the travelling group for the Inter Milan match.
Liverpool earned a crucial 1-0 win thanks to a late penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite moving up to eighth place in the 36-team league phase, attention after the game largely centred on Salah’s future at Liverpool.
Captain van Dijk was among those questioned about the Egyptian forward.
He stated: “It’s not up to me to say who should apologise. It’s him airing his feelings. The club have to deal with it and him as well. It’s a collective situation.
“Things between Mo and the club are going on and he is obviously not here today helping us get three points.”
Liverpool’s upcoming fixture sees them host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in the Premier League.
After that, Salah will travel to Morocco to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He is expected to stay with Egypt until at least December 29, when they play their third and final group match.
If Egypt reach the final, he could remain away until January 18.
By then, the January transfer window will be open, meaning Salah could leave, if both he and the club agree to a transfer.
Van Dijk added: “The reality is Mo Salah is going to Africa.
“I have known Mo a long time. He is a friend. We have had highs and lows. We speak, those type of things will stay indoors.
“We have to brace ourselves and be against the outside noise. We have to be a unit.
“That’s what Liverpool stands for in my opinion.
“There is obviously so much noise from the outside world. Especially if you don’t perform and it’s deserved.”
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson also defended Salah, saying: “Internally we’re all together.”
Robertson also said he enjoys playing with Salah and wants to continue doing so.
Salah’s contract was due to expire last summer, but he signed a two-year extension in April.
Although he has struggled for form since then, interest is still expected from the Saudi Pro League and MLS if he leaves Liverpool.
