Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will return to Merseyside next week following Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign, insisting he would be happy to have the forward back even if he had “15 attackers” in his squad.
Salah, 33, has spent the past month away on international duty, helping Egypt compete in Afcon. He will return to Anfield after Egypt’s third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday. His return comes at a crucial moment for Liverpool, who have been coping without the prolific forward and now face upcoming fixtures in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Slot on Salah: “Even If I Had 15 Attackers, I’d Want Him Back”
Before Salah departed for Afcon, a dramatic interview from the Egyptian star made headlines, in which he claimed “someone doesn’t want me in the club” and that his relationship with Slot had broken down. Following that, Salah was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their 1-0 win at Inter Milan but came off the bench four days later to assist a goal against Brighton.
Slot addressed the situation, emphasizing the forward’s importance to Liverpool:
“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us. I am happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I am happy that he is back. Even if I had 15 attackers I still would have been happy if he came back but that is not our current situation.”
The Dutch manager also hinted that discussions regarding Salah’s involvement in upcoming matches, including Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Marseille, are ongoing:
“We are talking together about [the Marseille game] now. We are in talks with him about what is expected of him over there, what is expected over here. But first of all he needs to have an important game on Saturday and next week he will be back.”
Liverpool’s Squad Situation
Liverpool have remained unbeaten in six games since Salah left for Afcon, winning three and drawing three. However, the injury to record signing Alexander Isak, who underwent surgery for a left leg fracture, has left the Reds short in attack. Slot will welcome Salah back as a key boost to his options up front.
Aside from long-term absentees Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, Slot confirmed that Liverpool have no further injury concerns.
Salah’s Status After Public Fallout
The dramatic interview last month cast uncertainty over Salah’s future at Liverpool, with questions raised about his relationship with Slot. The manager has indicated that private discussions with the forward remain confidential:
“What happens between Mo and me, on the phone or over here, stays between the two of us. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to share all the private conversations I have.”
Despite the public fallout, it is clear that a line has been drawn, and Salah’s return is viewed positively by the club. He scored 29 Premier League goals under Slot last season, helping Liverpool secure the title.
A Tale of Two Liverpool Legends
Salah’s return coincides with Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson facing a period of adjustment as he navigates his future with the club. Robertson recently spoke about his situation, highlighting that no decisions have yet been made regarding his contract beyond the summer. Slot praised Robertson for his professionalism, calling his comments “a big compliment.”
Slot’s remarks underline the significance of two iconic Liverpool players — Salah and Robertson — in shaping the club’s present and future, both on and off the pitch.
“The key word in Arne Slot’s news conference was that he will be ‘happy’ to have Salah back next week,” Football reporter Aadam Patel noted, emphasizing the importance of the Egyptian star’s return for Liverpool’s attack.
Upcoming Fixtures
Liverpool’s next matches include:
- Premier League: vs Burnley at Anfield, Saturday (15:00 GMT)
- Champions League: away to Marseille, Wednesday (availability of Salah to be confirmed)
- Premier League: Bournemouth away, 24 January
Salah’s presence could prove decisive as Liverpool push to maintain momentum in the Premier League and advance in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool after Egypt’s Afcon third-place play-off.
- Arne Slot emphasized Salah’s importance, saying he would welcome him back even with “15 attackers.”
- Liverpool have been unbeaten in six matches without Salah but face injury issues in attack with Alexander Isak sidelined.
- Salah’s public fallout with Slot has been resolved privately, and the player remains a key figure for the Reds.
- Upcoming fixtures include Premier League games against Burnley and Bournemouth, as well as a Champions League trip to Marseille.
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