Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah will feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton after positive talks with head coach Arne Slot on Friday.
Slot made the decision to include Salah to act in the club’s best interests, especially with several players sidelined by injuries.
Unresolved issues remain, and Liverpool will continue discussions with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, while the player competes at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tensions Earlier This Week
Salah, 33, missed Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan on Tuesday after claiming a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He accused the club of “throwing him under the bus.”
The forward’s comments followed Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, where he sat on the bench for a third consecutive game. He had described the upcoming match as an opportunity to say goodbye to Anfield and invited his mother to attend.
Slot Signals Support
In Friday’s pre-game press conference, Slot stated there were “no reasons to not want Mohamed Salah to stay” at the club. When asked about Salah’s future, he added: “I will have a conversation with Mo. The outcome of that conversation determines how things will look.”
Liverpool will host Brighton at Anfield at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, seeking to end two consecutive league draws.
Salah’s Recent Form and Role
Salah has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool. He has been an unused substitute in two of the last three Premier League matches. His most recent appearance came as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on 3 December, while his last start was on 26 November in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
Liverpool face limited attacking options, with Cody Gakpo sidelined by a muscle injury and Alexander Isak carrying a knock. Slot confirmed: “After the Sunderland game, there were a lot of conversations between his representatives and ours, between him and me.”
Africa Cup of Nations and Potential Absences
Salah will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. Depending on Egypt’s progress, he may not return until after the final on 18 January, potentially missing up to eight Liverpool matches.
This season, Salah has scored five goals in 18 Premier League and Champions League appearances.
