Liverpool Include Surprise Name in Squad to Face Inter After Leaving Out Mo Salah

Liverpool have surprised fans by naming an unexpected player in their squad for the Champions League clash against Inter Milan, following a major decision regarding Mohamed Salah.

The Reds return to Champions League action on Tuesday at the San Siro. Arne Slot’s men head into the tie after throwing away a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw with Leeds United — a match overshadowed by Salah’s explosive interview, in which he claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus” and that his relationship with Slot was broken.

Although Salah trained with the squad on Monday before the team’s departure for Milan, he has been omitted from the 19-man travelling group. Slot has removed him from selection, having already placed him on the bench for the past three matches.

Liverpool’s travelling list features their regular stars, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexander Isak. However, Slot delivered a surprise by calling up 19-year-old defender Wellity Lucky.

Lucky began his career at Spanish club Club Deportivo San Gregorio Arrabal before joining Real Zaragoza’s academy. He moved to Liverpool’s youth setup at age 13 and later signed his first professional deal in April 2023. He made his senior debut in October, coming off the bench in Liverpool’s 3-0 Carabao Cup loss to Crystal Palace, replacing Andy Robertson in the 67th minute.

The young centre-back trained on Monday before being confirmed in Slot’s Champions League squad. Born in Spain to Nigerian parents, Lucky is also eligible to represent England after relocating there at age 11.

Liverpool’s 19-man squad to face Inter Milan:
Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Mac Allister, Bradley, Jones, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Lucky.