Salah Returns to Liverpool Squad After Talks with Manager

Mohamed Salah is set to rejoin the Liverpool FC squad for Saturday’s match against Brighton after productive discussions with manager Arne Slot, sources confirmed to ESPN. Salah’s absence from the midweek victory over Inter Milan raised eyebrows, particularly following his critical comments about the club after a recent 3-3 draw with Sunderland.

In that match, Salah, 33, expressed feeling “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool, indicating a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. The forward had been sidelined for three consecutive games, raising questions about his future at the club. Despite these tensions, sources indicate that Salah will be included in this weekend’s lineup, a decision viewed as beneficial for both the player and the club.

Manager’s Perspective on Salah’s Future

Following his interview, Slot emphasized that discussions have been ongoing. “We have spoken a lot in the last week,” he stated during a news conference. “After the Sunderland game, there were extensive conversations between his representatives and ours, as well as dialogues involving me.” Slot confirmed he would meet with Salah again on Friday to discuss the situation further.

The decision to exclude Salah from the squad against Inter Milan was made collectively, but Slot clarified that the ultimate authority on team selection lies with him. “I think we decided as a club— and I was part of that decision— not to take him to the Inter Milan match,” he explained. “The decision to play a player or have him in the squad is entirely up to me.” This autonomy has allowed Slot to navigate the complexities of Salah’s situation while maintaining team performance.

Salah’s Upcoming International Duty and Club Interests

As Salah prepares to return to the pitch for Liverpool, he is also looking ahead to his commitments with the Egyptian national team, departing for international duty on December 15, 2023. His potential exit from Liverpool has been a topic of speculation, particularly with ongoing interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Should the current issues not resolve, a transfer could take place as early as January.

Slot’s comments reflect a desire to retain Salah, stating, “I have no reasons to want him to leave.” The manager’s optimism may be buoyed by Liverpool’s recent performance, as the club remains unbeaten in its last four matches across all competitions, despite only securing two wins from their last ten Premier League outings.

As the situation develops, both Salah and Liverpool face critical decisions that could shape their future. The outcome of Saturday’s match against Brighton could serve as a pivotal moment for the player and the club as they navigate the remainder of the season.