Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Mohamed Salah was unhappy about being left out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s crucial 2-0 victory against West Ham, but praised the Egyptian’s professionalism and attitude.

Salah, 33, was an unused substitute at the London Stadium as Slot made bold changes following a disastrous run of nine defeats in 12 matches across all competitions. The forward has struggled for form this season, scoring just four Premier League goals — a sharp drop from the 29 he netted last term to claim the Golden Boot.

Slot described Salah as a “superhuman being” during his time at Anfield but admitted the winger had not been at his peak in recent weeks.

“As with all players around the world, there are moments when you are human,” Slot said. “He has scored so many goals for us and I’m sure he will again.”

The Dutchman insisted he understood Salah’s frustration but said it reflected the forward’s elite mentality.

“That’s a normal reaction from a player good enough to play for us,” Slot said. “He’s been outstanding for this club for so many years, and will be for us in the future. Of course he wasn’t happy — he wasn’t the only one who wasn’t pleased not to start.”

Despite his disappointment, Slot said Salah remained fully supportive of his teammates.

“You can’t play every three days at that level if you let emotions dictate your behaviour,” he said. “Mo is disciplined, knows what to do to stay fit, and whether he plays or not, he’s always a top professional.”

Slot added that Salah is scheduled to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15, with discussions ongoing between the player, the national team, and Liverpool over the timing.

Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said his sixth-placed side were excited to test themselves at Anfield on Wednesday.

“We worked hard for the privilege to play this kind of game,” Le Bris said. “It’s a tough challenge, an impressive place, but we want to be competitive.”