Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool next week following the conclusion of his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt, insisting he would welcome the forward back into the squad regardless of how many attacking options were available.
Salah has spent the past month on international duty and is set to rejoin the Reds after Egypt’s third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday. His return comes after a turbulent period marked by a public interview in which the 33-year-old suggested there were figures at the club who did not want him there and claimed his relationship with Slot had broken down.
Despite those comments, Slot has played down the situation and indicated he is ready to reintegrate a player who has been central to Liverpool’s modern success.
“First of all, he has another big game to play for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us,” Slot said. “I am happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club and for me.
“Even if I had 15 attackers, I would still be happy for him to return — but that is not our current situation.”
Salah was left out of the squad for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win at Inter Milan shortly after his remarks, before returning as a substitute and providing an assist in the victory over Brighton four days later. At the time, Slot admitted he was unsure whether Salah had played his final match for the club, but his stance now appears more conciliatory.
Liverpool have remained unbeaten in Salah’s absence, recording three wins in six matches, and host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday. However, with record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for several months following surgery on a fractured left leg, Salah’s return significantly strengthens Slot’s attacking options.
Liverpool travel to Marseille for a Champions League fixture on Wednesday, though Slot confirmed no decision has yet been made on whether Salah will be involved or held back for the Premier League clash away at Bournemouth on 24 January.
“We are talking together about that now,” Slot said. “We are discussing what is expected of him there and what is expected of him here. But first he has an important game on Saturday, and next week he will be back.”
Addressing last month’s very public fallout, Slot declined to elaborate on private discussions with the player.
“What happens between Mo and me, whether on the phone or here, stays between the two of us,” he said. “I don’t think it’s necessary to share private conversations.”
Slot also confirmed there are no new injury concerns, with Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni the only long-term absentees.
A changing dynamic among Liverpool stalwarts
The dominant theme of Slot’s press conference was his emphasis on being “happy” to welcome Salah back — a notable message given Liverpool’s ongoing injury issues and the forward’s uncertain status within the squad.
While Salah’s influence remains undeniable, questions persist over whether he will continue as an automatic starter. A similar transition is already being navigated by vice-captain Andy Robertson, who has spoken candidly this week about adapting to a reduced role and whose contract is due to expire in the summer.
Slot was quick to praise Robertson’s leadership and professionalism, describing his public comments as “a big compliment”.
Ultimately, the situation reflects a broader shift within the Liverpool squad, as two modern-era legends adjust to evolving roles. How successfully that balance is managed could prove pivotal to Liverpool’s ambitions in the months ahead.
