Mohamed Salah is poised to make his Liverpool comeback in a pivotal Champions League fixture against Marseille, having been named in Arne Slot’s travelling squad following his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt.
The forward’s return comes at a critical moment for the Reds, who are seeking renewed attacking momentum as the group stage reaches a decisive phase.
Salah arrives back on Merseyside after Egypt’s semi-final exit at AFCON, where they were eliminated by eventual finalists Senegal. Despite the disappointment, the 31-year-old enhanced his reputation on the continental stage, contributing four goals and one assist during the tournament.
However, the elusive AFCON title remains absent from his honours list, adding a familiar sense of frustration to an otherwise productive international spell.
The Liverpool winger wasted little time reintegrating with his club teammates, taking part in open training sessions ahead of the trip to southern France.
His inclusion in Slot’s squad signals confidence in his physical condition and readiness to immediately influence proceedings against a Marseille side that has proven formidable at home in Europe.
While Salah has largely kept his own counsel since returning, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai revealed the pair remained in contact throughout the tournament.
However, the Hungarian was careful not to divulge details of Salah’s mindset, saying: “We speak about everything (but) that’s between me and him. He will come back, and then we just keep on going. He will be here, and it’s the decision of the manager and the club. It is not about us, it is about him.”
Slot will be encouraged by Salah’s availability as Liverpool attempt to rediscover attacking sharpness. Injuries have sidelined Alexander Isak, leaving the forward line short of cutting edge in recent weeks. Summer signing Hugo Ekitike has shown flashes of promise but has often lacked support, contributing to a noticeable dip in threat in the final third.
Marseille, meanwhile, represent a stern examination. The French side have already recorded eye-catching victories over Newcastle United, Ajax and Union Saint-Gilloise in this season’s competition, underlining their capacity to unsettle elite opposition. With qualification still not guaranteed, Liverpool can ill afford complacency.
