Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has expressed confidence that Mohamed Salah will return to top form following his absence from club action due to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Salah, who led Egypt in the tournament, scored four goals but could not help his country reclaim the AFCON title, with the Pharaohs finishing fourth behind Senegal, Morocco, and Nigeria.
The 33-year-old forward returned to Liverpool for their Champions League clash against Olympique Marseille, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory for the English champions.
Positive impact of the break
Gerrard praised Salah’s resilience and determination, noting the striker’s frustration over the AFCON defeat but emphasizing his competitive character.
“He will be extremely frustrated about losing the recent Africa Cup of Nations title. If you know his personality, he is a fighter, loves winning, and accepts nothing less,” he said.
The former England captain highlighted that the timing of Salah’s absence allowed both the player and Liverpool to step back and regroup after tensions with Dutch manager Arne Slot late last year.
Gerrard explained, “I think the recent break for both Liverpool and Salah, following the disagreements between them, came at the right time, coinciding with the Africa Cup of Nations. It allowed both sides to breathe and process what had happened.”
A fresh start at Liverpool
Salah’s reintegration into Liverpool’s starting lineup against Marseille demonstrates Slot’s renewed confidence in the Egyptian forward.
“Over time, I believe there will be a new phase and fresh start for both sides. The manager showed his trust in him against Olympique Marseille by placing him straight into the starting eleven,” Gerrard added.
The striker’s brief public criticism of his situation at Liverpool had fueled speculation in British media about a potential winter transfer.
However, Gerrard sees these disputes as behind Salah, signaling the start of a new chapter in his career at Anfield.
