Arne Slot has insisted that Mohamed Salah is still "so important" for Liverpool despite dropping the star forward for the victory against West Ham on Sunday.
Salah was left on the bench for the first time under Slot in the Premier League, and goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool a much-needed win.
Salah was cast out amid a poor run of form for club and player -- Liverpool having lost six of seven in the league prior to Sunday and Salah only managing four goals so far this season.
Florian Wirtz was back in after missing two games with a knock, as Slot tinkered with his lineup.
"Every time I don't play Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitke or Mohamed Salah, it's about that which is understandable was they are all outstanding players," Slot said.
"Mo has had an unbelievable career at this club and will have a very good future at this club because he is such a special player.
"Four games in 10 days with only 14-15 outfield players available for us, then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game.
"Today, with the way West Ham set-up with a full-back that is constantly high and a winger who is constantly inside, I thought that this could help the team. But Mo has been so important for this club and will be important for this club in the future."