Mohamed Salah has been named in Liverpool’s squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton at Anfield following discussions with head coach Arne Slot, according to multiple British media outlets.
Reports from the BBC and Sky Sports indicated that the decision followed direct talks between the player and the manager, with Slot determined to act solely in what he believes serves the club’s best interests.
The Dutch coach had earlier stressed that the final call on Salah’s involvement would rest with him, especially after recent tensions surrounding the forward’s role in the team.
Slot had revealed that he intended to speak with Salah on Friday morning after the Egypt international’s emotional reaction last weekend sparked renewed debate over his future at Anfield. That episode culminated in Salah being left out of the travelling squad for Liverpool’s midweek Champions League victory over Inter Milan in Italy.
The 33-year-old had openly accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” after he was again benched during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw against Leeds, marking the third consecutive match in which he did not start. He further claimed that he had no relationship with Slot when he addressed reporters following the encounter at Elland Road.
While Liverpool edged Inter Milan 1-0 on Tuesday, Salah posted an image on social media showing himself training alone in the gym at the club’s facility, a move that intensified speculation about unrest behind the scenes.
“I will have a conversation with Mo this morning, the outcome of that conversation determines how things will look tomorrow,” Slot said during his pre-match press briefing. He added, “I think the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here. You can keep on trying, but there is not much more to say about it.”
Reflecting on earlier engagements, Slot noted, “After the Sunderland game (a 1-1 draw on December 3 in which Salah came on as a second-half substitute) there were a lot of conversations between his representatives and ours, between him and me.” Although he avoided expanding further, the Liverpool boss made it clear that he had no intention of pushing the forward out, saying, “I have no reasons not wanting him to stay, and that is a little bit of an answer to your question.”
Salah, who signed a fresh two-year contract in April that elevated him among the Premier League’s top earners, is expected to link up with the Egyptian national team after the Brighton match for the Africa Cup of Nations. His time away from club football will depend on how far Egypt progress in the tournament in Morocco, which concludes with the final on January 18.
A central figure in Liverpool’s modern success, Salah sits third on the club’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals from 420 appearances. His honours include two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his time on Merseyside. He netted 29 league goals last season as Liverpool surged to a record-equalling 20th English title, but his current campaign has been more subdued, with four league goals in 13 outings.
Liverpool’s struggles have left them languishing in 10th place after managing just two wins in their last 10 Premier League matches, while Salah continues to be linked with a potential move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.
What you should know
Mohamed Salah’s inclusion in Liverpool’s squad follows a period of tension marked by public criticism, reduced playing time, and questions about his relationship with manager Arne Slot.
Despite the controversy, the club appears keen to stabilize the situation ahead of a crucial league fixture and the winger’s imminent departure for international duty.
With Liverpool enduring a difficult run of form, Salah’s presence could be pivotal both on the pitch and in restoring internal harmony, even as speculation over his long-term future and outside interest continues to grow.
