Mohamed Salah reinstated as Liverpool resolve rift ahead of Brighton clash

Salah has returned to the Liverpool squad after clear-the-air discussions with manager Arne Slot, ending a turbulent week marked by public criticism and his omission from the Champions League match against Inter Milan.

The 33-year-old forward had been left out of last week’s European fixture after a media appearance in which he claimed Liverpool had betrayed him and openly criticised Slot.

His comments came at a time when he had recently lost his starting place, sparking debate around his form and role in the team.

Slot responded by excluding him from the squad, insisting the issue required an internal conversation before any decisions about his selection could be taken.

During Friday morning’s press conference, Slot confirmed he would meet Salah later in the day and that their discussion would determine whether the Egyptian star would feature in the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

That meeting appears to have settled the dispute, with Salah reinstated in the squad for the weekend fixture.

Although he is available for selection, it remains uncertain whether he will start or come off the bench, given the circumstances of the past week and his reduced playing time in recent matches.

His inclusion, however, signals that the immediate tension between player and manager has eased.

The Brighton match may be Salah’s final appearance for Liverpool before he departs for international duty.

After the weekend, he will join Egypt’s national team as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He will be unavailable to Liverpool until at least the end of the tournament’s group stage, with the final scheduled for 18 January.

Salah’s temporary absence will require Slot to adjust his attacking plans during a demanding phase of the season, while the reconciliation between the two figures offers stability at a crucial moment for the club.

With Salah set to focus on Egypt’s continental campaign, Liverpool will look to maintain momentum in domestic and European competitions without one of their most influential players.