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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has responded to Wayne Rooney's criticism of Mohamed Salah with a robust defence of the Egyptian forward ahead of the game against Manchester United.
The former Everton and Manchester United striker had questioned Salah's work rate following the Reds' defeat to Chelsea before the international break. Rooney had urged the Liverpool talisman to contribute more defensively, suggesting that experienced players like Virgil van Dijk should demand greater commitment from the Egyptian, whom he claimed appeared lost.
Salah has managed two goals and two assists across seven Premier League appearances this campaign, though he hasn't displayed his usual commanding form in recent weeks.
In his Telegraph column, Carragher acknowledged: "There are valid causes for concern following recent performances. There are also valuable lessons from Salah's career which serve as a warning to those prematurely predicting a decline.
"Do not write off Salah too soon because he has a habit of making criticism look silly."
Liverpool entered the international break having suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions, including Premier League losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
These results have enabled title contenders Arsenal to seize first place, with a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray occurring between those domestic setbacks.
The Egyptian isn't the only player struggling for Liverpool this season; new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have also failed to find their rhythm. There's a perception from some beyond Anfield that Slot doesn't understand how to maximise his new signings whilst still incorporating Salah.
"Slot left Salah out of the first tricky Champions League away game in Galatasaray," Carragher continued before issuing a caution to both the Reds and the Egyptian.
"With Salah unavailable when he joins Egypt in mid-season, Liverpool must get used to being without him.
"Salah must start to accept he may not start every week upon his return, which is never easy for such a high-profile, world-class player.
"Sooner or later Liverpool must move beyond Salah and enter the era of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Just do not bet against Salah making that later rather than sooner."
The Reds return to Premier League duty this Sunday when they face Manchester United at Anfield, aiming to heap pressure back onto Ruben Amorim's outfit and fellow championship contenders Arsenal.
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