Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that forward Mohamed Salah will be welcomed back to the Premier League champions following his duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt. The announcement comes after a turbulent few months for the Egyptian star, who has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his future at Anfield.
Salah’s AFCON Journey
Salah, 33, is set to feature for Egypt in the third-place playoff against Nigeria in Morocco on Saturday, after the Pharaohs suffered a defeat against Senegal in the AFCON semifinals. Despite Egypt falling short of the final, Salah has been a key figure throughout the tournament, and his return to Liverpool will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Liverpool Ready to Welcome Back Star Forward
Slot expressed his excitement at Salah’s impending return, emphasizing the player’s importance to the squad.
“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday,” Slot said.
“And then he comes back to us, and I’m happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I’m happy that he’s back. Because even if I had 15 attackers, I still would have been happy if he would have come back, but that’s not our current situation. So I’m happy to have him back after an important game that he still has to play.”
Liverpool currently face Burnley on Saturday, and Slot has confirmed that Salah will rejoin the squad next week, in time for the club’s Champions League clash with Marseille on Wednesday and their subsequent Premier League fixture at Bournemouth.
Turbulence at Anfield
Salah’s return follows a period of tension at Liverpool. In early December, the forward gave a candid interview accusing the club of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched for three consecutive games. He also admitted to having a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot, sparking widespread speculation about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
The situation seemed to ease after Salah appeared as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton on December 13, providing an assist. Slot has since stressed that the club has moved past the controversy and is focused on maintaining team harmony.
Salah’s Form and Impact
Last season, Salah was in sensational form, scoring 29 Premier League goals to secure the Golden Boot and helping Liverpool claim their 20th English league title. However, the current campaign has been challenging, with the forward managing just four league goals so far.
Despite the dip in form, Slot reiterated Salah’s enduring importance to Liverpool’s attacking setup, highlighting that his presence will provide a boost as the team continues its title defence and Champions League campaign.
Liverpool’s Current Situation
Liverpool’s Premier League season began inconsistently, with a troubling run of six defeats in seven matches starting in late September. However, Slot has steadied the ship, and the club is now unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions, signaling a potential resurgence as Salah returns to the squad.
The Reds are currently fourth in the league table, aiming to defend their title while making a strong push in Europe. Salah’s return is expected to provide a much-needed spark for the team as they navigate a busy schedule over the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
With Salah set to rejoin the squad next week, Liverpool fans can expect the Egyptian superstar to feature in crucial matches against Marseille in the Champions League and Bournemouth in the Premier League. His experience, goal-scoring ability, and leadership will be vital as Liverpool seek to maintain their domestic and European ambitions this season.
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