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Jurgen Klopp has decided to leave out Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez for Liverpool's game against West Ham United on Saturday, April 27.
Salah has been benched for the second time in three games following his recent run-of-the-mill performances, including an off-color performance against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
The Egyptian has scored 17 Premier League goals this season so far and currently occupies the fifth position on the goal-scoring chart. Sadly, Liverpool's chances of bagging the Premier League title in Klopp's final season at the club took a massive dent following the Everton defeat.
Unsurprisingly, the German gaffer has been ruthless with team selection and has chosen Harvey Elliot to replace Mohamed Salah.
Fans, however, feel that Salah being benched means that he'll be shown the exit door this season. Additionally, they feel Liverpool's game against the Hammers will be a one-sided affair in the 31-year-old's absence.
Here's how they reacted to the news:
A fan commented:
"Salah's time at Liverpool is up, he's no longer the Salah of 2017 or 2018...Klopp benching him makes sense! I also think Salah will go to the Saudi Pro league in the summer...His time is up."
Another fan wrote:
"Holding another L today."
Cody Gakpo returns to the squad after missing the game against Everton for the birth of his son. Klopp has also shaken up the midfield with Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo replacing Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, respectively. Ibrahim Konate has been replaced by Jarell Quansah in defence.
Liverpool would've hoped to finish strong in what is Jurgen Klopp's last season with the club
The Reds bagged their first trophy of the season after defeating Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup in February.
Jurgen Klopp's side were also eyeing the Europa League trophy, but were bested by Atalanta and lost by an aggregate of 1-3.
The 56-year-old gaffer has been instrumental in most of what the club has achieved in the last five years. While the players and fans were hoping to bring the Premier League title home for the second time in five years, Liverpool's chances look slim following consecutive defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace and Everton.
The Reds currently occupy the third position on the table with 74 points after 34 games. Arsenal have 77 points in as many games, while Manchester City have 76 points after having played 33 games.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal would be hoping that City drop points. However, for the Reds to ensure that they bag the Premier League title in Klopp's last season at the club, Liverpool will have to win their remaining games and wish that both City and the Gunners drop points.
