Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the decision to include Mohamed Salah in his squad as an “easy choice,” as the forward made his return during Saturday’s Premier League victory against Brighton.
This marked the 33-year-old’s first appearance for Liverpool since he alleged he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club following last weekend’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds.
“What’s discussed between us remains private,” Slot shared with Sky Sports after the match. “He was back in the squad, and we certainly needed him.”
Salah received a warm welcome from the home fans when he came on in the 26th minute due to an injury to defender Joe Gomez. He quickly made an impact by assisting Hugo Ekitike’s second goal with a precise corner, prompting chants from the home supporters.
He had opportunities to extend Liverpool’s lead — sending one shot over the bar and misplacing a pass intended for Andy Robertson — before he took a lap of the pitch at full-time.
“He posed a threat right from the start,” Slot noted. “The first ball he touched nearly led to an assist for [Alexis] Mac Allister. He was heavily involved, which is not surprising given his track record.”
Salah’s future with the club remains uncertain as he prepares to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday. There’s speculation that he could receive offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window while he is away, though Slot did not hint at any imminent changes.
“He’s headed to Egypt now for Afcon, which means we will have one less player available, and we were already short on numbers,” Slot remarked. “However, we knew this would be the case from the start of the season; perhaps one or two players may return from injury.”
In regard to Salah’s participation, there are still questions. He did not travel to Italy for Liverpool’s recent 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan, and despite his return from the bench on Saturday, rumors persist about his future.
Saudi clubs have shown interest in Salah, with Liverpool having rejected a £150m offer from Al-Ittihad last summer.
Salah has 18 months remaining on the contract he signed in April.
Full-back Milos Kerkez praised Salah, saying, “He came back full of energy and contributed significantly. Everyone knows the impact Mo has on the club, and we’re really glad to have him here. I hope he stays.”
“We’re all together in this; there’s no conflict. The positive attitude is essential. I won’t delve into specifics, but we all appreciate Mo and are pleased to have him on the team.”
With 250 goals in 421 appearances, Salah stands as Liverpool’s third all-time top scorer, though he has not started for the club in five consecutive matches.
Last weekend, Salah mentioned he had invited his family to the Brighton match, stating, “I intend to be at Anfield to bid farewell to the fans before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. What happens when I’m there is uncertain.”
Earlier this week, Slot commented, “I have no idea” regarding whether Salah has played his last match for the club. However, following positive discussions, Salah was reinstated into the squad for the Brighton match.
Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, is expected to engage in discussions with the club while Salah is on international duty at Afcon.