Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool squad after talks with Slot

Mohamed Salah has been restored to Liverpool’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, following productive discussions with head coach Arne Slot earlier on Friday. His recall comes after a turbulent week in which his future at Anfield was cast into doubt.

The Egyptian forward held extensive talks with Slot at Kirkby, easing tensions created by his comments after the draw at Leeds United, when he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus”.

Those remarks led to his exclusion from the squad that travelled to Inter Milan for Tuesday’s Champions League match, a decision Slot said was taken in the best interests of the team.

Slot confirmed that dialogue with Salah and his representatives has been ongoing throughout the week. He stressed on Friday that a further conversation would determine how the situation would evolve. “I will have a conversation with Mo this morning and the outcome of that conversation determines how it will look tomorrow,” he said.

The manager reiterated that internal discussions must take place before any public comment. “What I need is a conversation with him and the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here,” Slot added.

Salah will join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations after the Brighton match, creating a natural cooling-off period as Liverpool seek stability during a challenging stretch of fixtures.

Asked whether Salah must apologise before returning, Slot declined to be drawn, instead emphasising the importance of private resolution.

He also made clear that he wishes to keep the forward. “I have no reasons for not wanting him to stay,” Slot said when asked about Salah’s long-term future.

Salah had indicated earlier in the week that he might consider leaving in January and hinted he could bid “goodbye” to supporters on Saturday. However, Liverpool insist that squad decisions remain under Slot’s authority. While sporting director Richard Hughes was involved in the midweek decision, Slot confirmed that selection choices remain his to make.

“The decision to play a player or have him in the squad is entirely up to me,” he said.