Arne Slot said he would be happy to have Mohamed Salah return to Liverpool next week, even if the club had “15 attackers”. The Egyptian forward has been away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and will head back after Saturday’s third-place play-off against Nigeria.
Salah gave an explosive interview before leaving for Afcon, claiming “someone doesn’t want me in the club” and that he no longer had any relationship with Slot. He was left out of the squad for the win at Inter Milan but came off the bench to assist against Brighton days later.
Slot previously said he had “no clue” if Salah, with 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool, had played his last game. Now he is ready to reintegrate him.
“First of all, he needs to play another big game 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, for me, so I am happy that he is back. Even if I had 15 attackers I still would have been happy if he came back but that is not our current situation.”
Injury context and upcoming fixtures
Liverpool are unbeaten in six games without Salah, winning three. They face Burnley at Anfield on Saturday (15:00 GMT). With record signing Alexander Isak out for months after leg surgery, Slot will welcome Salah’s return to boost attacking options.
The Reds travel to Marseille for a Champions League match on Wednesday, but no decision has been made on Salah’s availability. Slot said they are discussing it, adding that Salah must focus on Egypt first.
On their private talks after the fallout, Slot said: “What happens between Mo and me, on the phone or over here, stays between the two of us. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to share all the private conversations I have.”
Slot confirmed no new injury worries beyond long-term absentees Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni.
Robertson’s situation and Slot’s praise
Andy Robertson, who is getting used to not starting regularly, spoke passionately about his future earlier this week. His contract expires in the summer and no decision has been made.
Slot praised Robertson: “The way he speaks is a big compliment.” Both players have handled reduced roles professionally and will go down in Liverpool history for their contributions.
