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Masked on the Bench: Salah’s Quiet Drama as Liverpool Face Sunderland

3 December 2025

Masked on the Bench: Salah’s Quiet Drama as Liverpool Face Sunderland
Mohamed Salah on the bench wearing a protective mask during Liverpool's clash with Sunderland.

Match Moment

The Egyptian star has fallen out of Slot's starting plans in the last two games.

Dutch coach Arne Slot persisted with Salah on the bench for a second straight match.

Salah also started as a substitute in the previous game against West Ham United and did not come on during the Reds' 2-0 win in the Premier League.

Today against Sunderland, Slot kept Salah on the bench.

Salah showed no reaction on the substitutes' bench, but his face looked sad.

With cameras waiting to capture any sign of displeasure, Salah wore a mask to hide his face.

Postscript

Punchline 1: If Salah's form were a mystery, that mask is the ultimate plot twist—cliffhanger included.

Punchline 2: And on this bench, even the camera needed a zoom to catch him smiling.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Salah wear a mask on the bench?

To hide his facial reaction from the cameras and maintain privacy on the sidelines.

Who is the Liverpool manager mentioned?

Arne Slot, the Dutch coach of Liverpool.

What was Salah’s status in the latest game against Sunderland?

He was named as a substitute and did not take the field.