Arne Slot underlines Mohamed Salah's new Liverpool role with sub plan on the cards

Arne Slot admits taking off Mohamed Salah when Liverpool are looking for a goal is something that "will probably happen". But the manager doesn't foresee it becoming a regular thing for the 33-year-old talisman.

The Liverpool boss saw his side come up with another late winner as the Egyptian hammered home from the spot in stoppage time to down Scott Parker's resilient Burnley. The Clarets conceded a late penalty after a Hannibal Mejbri handball, with Salah dispatching it to keep up his side's perfect start.

Salah signed a new deal last season despite much talk of him finally leaving Anfield. The frontman has been prolific but is now nearing his mid-30s with questions being asked of his durability and long-term influence – especially after a summer of huge recruitment in attack.

READ MORE: Arne Slot admits Alexander Isak 'far from ready' to play full role for Liverpool

READ MORE: Arne Slot makes 'lucky' Liverpool admission after Mo Salah's late penalty beats Burnley

Slot is now spoilt for choice in the final third, having signed Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. He needs to try and use all of his weapons and was quizzed on whether he considered hauling off Salah. The Dutchman claims he "thought about almost every substitution".

But his confession that Salah, who has been the team's go-to man for goals, could occasionally be withdrawn is a sign that there is less reliance on the Egyptian always being their hero.

Slot said: "Taking Mo off – if you need a goal, it will probably happen this season or maybe next season, but it probably won’t happen a lot."

Liverpool began the game at Burnley with Ekitike, Salah, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo in their starting XI.

Youngster Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa were both bought on, whilst Alexander Isak did not even feature in the matchday squad as he nears his return to fitness, with Slot admitting he will likely play in midweek when the Reds begin their Champions League efforts.

The British-record signing has just arrived from Newcastle but didn't play for the Magpies whilst his transfer saga played out.

It means he's hasn't had a competitive run out in club football since last season, and Slot is keen to manage his return. Isak's arrival is set to massively ease the demands on Salah, who scored 34 times last term – nearly double his nearest team-mate.

Slot said on Isak: "Now he will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum, and maybe a little bit more.

"But if he plays 45 on Wednesday don’t expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that, in our opinion."

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