Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hinted that star forward Mohamed Salah will return to the starting XI for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille, insisting that his relationship with the 33-year-old striker is “as normal as it’s always been.”
Salah last started for Liverpool in November, during the 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven, but has since enjoyed a prolific period at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring four goals for Egypt, who finished fourth.
Salah’s Absence and Return
Salah’s absence from Liverpool’s line-up in recent months followed a public outburst in which the forward claimed, “someone doesn’t want me in the club”, and questioned his relationship with Slot after being left out of the squad.
Slot addressed the situation during a press conference in Marseille, stating:
“There’s been a moment in the season where I decided not to play Mo. And one moment where I decided not to take him to the game [against Inter Milan]. For all the other games, he’s been in the squad and he was the first substitution against Brighton, so at that moment there was never an issue for me. He trained today and is in the squad for tomorrow.”
The manager stressed that Salah’s return provides Liverpool with a significant boost for their Champions League campaign:
“I am really happy and pleased he is back. In his absence, I think we have done quite OK in terms of hardly conceding any chances and starting to create more and more. If you create more and more, then it is really helpful to have Mohamed Salah.”
Salah’s Impact on Liverpool
Salah remains Liverpool’s record Champions League goalscorer, with 45 goals in the competition, far ahead of the next highest scorer, defender Virgil van Dijk, who has five. Slot emphasized that having Salah back allows Liverpool to maintain attacking depth on the wings, alongside Cody Gakpo, while also providing options with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz in wide positions.
“The first time he’s able to be in the squad again, he is because he trained today. So it is nice to have him back, especially if he is able to reach those levels that brought him 45 goals again.”
Liverpool have taken a 20-man squad to Marseille, with Ibrahima Konate absent due to a family matter. The upcoming match is crucial for Liverpool’s group-stage ambitions, as it could determine whether they finish in the top eight and avoid additional knockout-phase ties next month. Liverpool’s final group game is against Qarabag on 28 January at Anfield.
Slot on His Relationship with Salah
Slot was keen to clarify that there are no ongoing tensions with Salah, despite the public statements made last year:
“It’s as normal as it’s always been, with one exception, and that was Inter Milan. I spoke to him today and I’m happy to have him back because this season I’ve only had two wingers who’ve played more than 100 minutes in the Premier League, and that’s Mo and Cody [Gakpo].”
Slot also highlighted the tactical importance of having Salah available:
“Having him back is really helpful because he can create and score goals in a way that few others can. We’ve managed in his absence, but Mo provides a different level of threat.”
Other Questions: Alonso Rumours and Fan Reaction
During the press conference, Slot was asked about rumours linking Xabi Alonso to Liverpool, following the Spaniard’s departure as Real Madrid manager. Slot responded with humor:
“Yes, he called me and said, what do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months? Or maybe earlier? No, this is one of the weirdest questions I’ve ever got. I really like my work here, and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Slot was also asked about the boos from fans at Anfield during the 1-1 draw against Burnley, acknowledging that disappointment is natural:
“It’s completely normal if you draw at home to Burnley that no-one is happy about that. But I also think that when people went home and emotions calmed down, they probably thought we created so many chances against a low block, maybe more than the result showed.”
What This Means for Liverpool vs Marseille
With Salah likely starting, Liverpool’s attacking options are significantly strengthened for a key Champions League tie in Marseille. Salah’s experience and goal-scoring record in Europe make him a pivotal player as Arne Slot’s side aims to secure a strong position in the group stage and avoid extra knockout matches next month.
Liverpool fans will hope that Salah’s return, alongside Gakpo and the emerging talents in Slot’s squad, can provide the edge needed to achieve a positive result in Stade Vélodrome.
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