Mohamed Salah holds decisive talks with Arne Slot amid squad exclusion

Mohamed Salah meets Arne Slot this Friday in a discussion that will determine whether the Egyptian star returns to Liverpool’s squad for the weekend fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Slot excluded the winger from the midweek Champions League clash with Inter after Salah publicly accused Liverpool of betrayal and criticised the Dutch manager.

Salah’s comments created shockwaves around the club, and Slot responded by removing him from the travelling group for Tuesday’s match.

With Egypt preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool still plays one more game before Salah joins his national team, leaving Friday’s meeting as the crucial moment that will shape whether he features again before departing.

Slot addressed the issue during his press conference, saying he plans to speak directly with Salah before any decision.

He insists he will not discuss further details publicly until the conversation has taken place.

“I’m going to talk to Mo. The outcome of that conversation will determine whether he comes back.

The next time I talk about Mo, it will be in his presence, not in the media,” Slot said.

“That’s why I can’t say more. I’ll speak to him today, and we’ll see how things develop tomorrow.”

Reporters pushed for more clarity, asking whether he expects an apology from Salah.

Slot responded with humour, reminding them they had already asked several questions and offering a playful wink.

When the subject resurfaced, Slot clarified who chose to leave Salah out of the squad for the Inter match.

He confirmed that he participated in the decision, saying he remains responsible for team selection even while consulting closely with sporting director Richard Hughes and football chief Michael Edwards.

Liverpool supporters now wait to see whether Salah and Slot can resolve their tension before the forward heads to international duty.

Saturday’s match at Anfield may reveal whether the relationship reaches a quick truce or heads into a more complicated phase.