Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised forward Mohamed Salah for his exemplary conduct following his dropped to the bench.
This change occurred after a string of defeats of nine unsuccessful results in twelve outings across every tournament.
It represented the initial occasion Salah had been dropped in the league since last April, under Slot's predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.
Salah, who represents Egypt, who topped the scoring charts last term, has managed only a quartet of strikes in the Premier League so far this year.
Slot stated it was a "fair assumption" that Salah was displeased about being an unused substitute at the away venue.
"This is a normal reaction from a player of his caliber to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been exceptionally brilliant for this club for numerous seasons and remains so for the future," commented Slot.
"He wasn't the only one who was disappointed that he didn't begin the game and which is standard."
Slot noted that Salah "conducted himself impeccably" despite being dropped.
"His discipline is remarkable - he knows exactly how to stay fit," Slot emphasized.
"Regardless of whether he has a good game or a bad one, if he starts or is a substitute, he will always be that ultimate pro and that's exactly how he acted in the past couple of days.
"With all players around the world, there are also stages in your time at a club where they show humanity. He's scored a plethora of goals for us and I am certain he will going forward."
Afcon Commitment Approaches
Slot announced that Liverpool will be lacking Salah's services from December 15th, when he leaves for the continental championship.
"It is imperative we find a way to play without him because he will be absent," Slot remarked.
Presently, the reigning title holders sit outside the European places, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.
They will welcome Sunderland on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's journey to Leeds, a side who find themselves in the drop zone.
Analysis: Potential Unavailability
According to the plan, Salah's last Liverpool game is projected as the December 13th clash with Brighton.
Should Egypt go all the way, then Salah is unlikely to be back until January 19th as the soonest possible date.
That outcome would result in him sitting out a potential seven fixtures, including a pivotal game against Arsenal away at Arsenal on January 8th.
Slot would not be drawn on whether he would leave Salah out over the coming weeks, he conceded the player was disappointed after the bench role at London Stadium.
