Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has reaffirmed the pivotal role of Mohamed Salah at the club, insisting he would welcome the forward back even if he had a surplus of attacking options.
Slot made the comments ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley, as Salah prepares to return from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty with Egypt.
“Even if I had 15 attackers, I’d still have been happy if he came back. Mo has been so important for this club, and for me, so I am happy that he is back,” Slot said.
The Dutch coach added that Salah is expected to rejoin the squad after Egypt’s next AFCON match on Saturday, though his availability for upcoming Liverpool fixtures has not yet been finalised.
“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us. We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and what is expected over here,” Slot explained.
Since Salah’s departure for AFCON, Liverpool have remained unbeaten in six matches, securing three victories. The Reds host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday before travelling to Marseille for a Champions League fixture next Wednesday.
Slot confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding Salah’s involvement against Marseille or whether he will be rested until Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth on January 24. “We are in talks about that now. Next week he will be back,” he said.
Salah, who has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool, was previously involved in a widely publicised disagreement with Slot last month. The coach declined to comment on the matter, saying:
“What happens between Mo and me stays between the two of us. I don’t think it is necessary to share private conversations.”
With record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for several months following surgery on a left leg fracture, Salah’s return is expected to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options.
Slot also confirmed that Liverpool have no new injury concerns, with Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni the only long-term absentees.
Elijah Adeyemi
