Former Liverpool star advises Mohamed Salah to instantly return to starting XI this weekend

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes Mohamed Salah will have taken note of Arne Slot’s ‘warning’ last night and will make a swift return to the starting XI against Brentford this weekend.

Salah was left out of the Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt and had to watch from the bench as a revamped Reds side cruised to a 5-1 victory in Germany.

The Egyptian star came on 16 minutes from time but failed to get his name on the scoresheet.

Salah scored 34 goals and added 23 assists last season as Liverpool cruised to the Premier League title. He has, however, struggled to replicate that form this term and has just six goals (three goals and three assists) to his name so far.

He looked out of sorts against Manchester United on Sunday, prompting Slot to leave him out against Eintracht, but James believes that is only a temporary measure.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Arne Slot was obviously trying to warn Mohamed Salah by putting him on the bench, but in the end it was a wonderful victory for Liverpool.

“They had to gain confidence to come back from a goal behind, which is the first time they have had to do that since Tottenham last season.

“The performance definitely put them in the right position and all indications are that Liverpool are having a brilliant time again.”

Salah is not an impact substitute – James

The former England international added of Salah: “We are not getting to a point where Mohamed Salah will only be used as an impact substitute.

“But Arne Slot had to call, because a lot of other people were calling, and Salah will still have to prove himself with Hugo Ekitike playing like he is.

“He needs to take that into account against Brentford this weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if Salah starts in that game – and I hope last night’s warning brings him back on a goalscoring streak.”

James hopes Chiesa faces further scrutiny

Despite Salah’s struggles and the time Alexander Isak has taken to settle in following his summer move from Newcastle, Italy international Federico Chiesa has had few opportunities to shine at Anfield.

He came on at half-time last night and impressed and James will be hoping for more game time despite the Reds’ embarrassment of wealth in attack.

“I love Federico Chiesa,” James said. “He looks set to start Liverpool games at the moment but, when we talk about impact substitutes, he is the man who can come on and change a game.

“He won’t be too happy about not starting games, but he will have the opportunity to try and force his way into what is perhaps the most expensive front three in football with the cup games coming up.”

Chiesa’s plight was discussed by our friends at the Italian Football Podcast, ahead of last night’s game.