Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he substituted Mohamed Salah in Sunday's 1-1 clash against Everton because the Egyptian was struggling with his hamstring.

Questions were raised when the Reds' top scorer was withdrawn from the Merseyside derby, especially when their bitter rivals went on to snatch an equaliser.

The German had already come under fire for not starting Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

But speaking prior to Liverpool's midweek clash against West Brom, Klopp cleared up his actions.

"I took Mo Salah off because he had a hamstring a little bit," said Klopp.

Mohamed Salah was replaced by Roberto Firmino (
Image:
REUTERS)
Jurgen Klopp has since explained why he subbed off Salah (
Image:
REUTERS/Phil Noble)

"Then everyone said, ‘How can you take him off?’ I do not go out and say, ‘Yeah, but he is close to being injured’.

"That sounds like an excuse - I do not want to deliver that. I make the decision."

Klopp will rest Salah for Wednesday's clash as he continues his spell of rotation.

The Liverpool manager has already made 59 changes to his starting line-up in the Premier League this season — 20 more than any other side.

Salah will be rested for West Brom (
Image:
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

And critics have suggested it cost him two points in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, when Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum were all rested as Everton came from a goal down to draw.

Yet Klopp remains convinced the demands of modern football make his policy essential.

"I have said in the future of football there will be more rotation, because no-one will take away the games," said Klopp.

"It is quicker, more intense, with more sprints, more high runs, less breaks and so many things. It is going in one direction and you have to react. That is how it is. We have to make these decisions. We have the opportunity to make changes because of the quality in the squad."

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