The Captain Without a Goal

Liverpool’s 5–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt was a much-needed statement under Arne Slot, but the biggest headline wasn’t about the score — it was about Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian superstar started on the bench, coming on in the 74th minute for Hugo Ekitiké, and that decision has raised eyebrows across England.

Salah is currently enduring a rare drought — six games without a goal, far from the player who recorded 34 goals and 23 assists last season. Slot’s rotation policy has been evident in recent weeks, yet benching the team’s captain and biggest icon has sparked questions about whether the Liverpool hierarchy is shifting.

A Social Media Gesture That Set the Internet on Fire

After the match, Salah’s subtle action on social media fueled even more speculation. The Egyptian changed his profile picture, replacing his classic image in a Liverpool shirt with one alongside his two daughters. The BBC quickly picked up on it, and fans began reading between the lines.

Was it a quiet message to the club or simply a personal moment? The timing — just hours after being left out of the starting XI — made it impossible to ignore. Within minutes, “Salah” was trending worldwide as supporters debated whether the gesture reflected frustration, nostalgia, or something deeper.

Will He Return to the Starting XI Against Brentford?

Liverpool’s next challenge comes this weekend against Brentford, and all eyes are on Salah’s name when the team sheet drops. On BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily, former Chelsea player Pat Nevin summed up the general feeling: “If you’ve lost four games in a row and then win without Salah, would it be a shock if he’s not starting next time? I’m afraid not.”

Despite the noise, Salah still has the unwavering support of the Anfield faithful. The Egyptian legend, who led Liverpool to their 20th league title last season, has bounced back from slumps before. And while this moment feels uncertain, few doubt that the “Egyptian King” will rise again — sooner rather than later.