Liverpool Includes Salah vs Brighton After Manager Slot Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool’s matchday squad after being left out for several games and publicly questioning his relationship with manager Arne Slot. The Egyptian forward entered in the 26th minute, following an injury to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, to the backdrop of the home support chanting his song. There was a big roar when Salah’s name was read out.
Salah’s Return Quick Looks
- Salah named on the bench for Liverpool vs Brighton.
- Return follows reported rift and emotional outburst last weekend.
- The forward had been dropped for three consecutive matches.
- Salah accused the club of sidelining him unfairly.
- Left out of midweek Champions League squad against Inter Milan.
- Salah is Liverpool’s Premier League all-time top scorer.
- Has 4 goals in 13 league games this season.
- Due to leave next week for Africa Cup of Nations.
- Salah unsure if he’ll be part of Liverpool’s plans after AFCON.
- Manager Arne Slot said dialogue was “productive” ahead of Brighton match.
Deep Look: Mohamed Salah Returns to Liverpool Squad After Rift With Arne Slot
LIVERPOOL, England —Mohamed Salah received a rapturous welcome from Liverpool fans after coming on as a first-half substitute against Brighton on Saturday, having returned to the squad following talks with manager Arne Slot after his explosive outburst last weekend. Salah is back in the Liverpool squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton, marking a potential turning point in a turbulent spell that cast serious doubts over his Anfield future.
The Egyptian Star entered in the 26th minute, following an injury to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, to the backdrop of the home support chanting his song. There was a big roar when Salah’s name was read out.
They were singing for Salah again after he swung over a corner that was headed home by Hugo Ekitike to make it 2-0 in the 60th minute. Ekitike also scored the first goal, inside the opening minute.
The move follows clear-the-air talks between Salah and Slot earlier this week, after a storm of controversy erupted last weekend. Salah, a club legend and Liverpool’s all-time Premier League top scorer, had publicly vented his frustration over being dropped from the starting lineup for three straight games.
He told reporters that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated and made the pointed remark: “It feels like someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
The comments sent shockwaves through Merseyside and beyond, fueling speculation that Salah’s time at Liverpool could be drawing to a close.
Escalating Drama Over Salah’s Role
Salah’s frustration had been building. He was an unused substitute in the recent 3-3 draw with Leeds, having already missed starts in the 2-0 win over West Ham and the 1-1 draw against Sunderland, where he came on only at halftime. The situation reached a new low when he was left out of the squad entirely for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan in midweek.
Slot, speaking before that match, said he could not guarantee whether Salah would wear the Liverpool shirt again, casting serious doubt over the forward’s place in the team.
Yet the manager appears to have had a change of heart after what was described as a “constructive conversation” with Salah at the club’s training ground on Thursday.
“We had a good discussion,” Slot told reporters ahead of the Brighton game. “Mo has been a massive part of this club’s success, and we both agreed it’s best to focus on what’s ahead.”
On-Field Struggles and AFCON Disruption
This season has been a far cry from Salah’s usual standard. He’s managed just four Premier League goals in 13 appearances, his lowest return at this stage of the campaign since joining Liverpool in 2017. Still, his overall contribution and leadership remain critical to the team, particularly as they battle on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.
Adding to the complexity is Salah’s imminent departure for international duty. The Africa Cup of Nations begins next week, and Salah is expected to link up with the Egyptian national team. In an earlier interview, Salah said he wasn’t sure what would happen with Liverpool during his time away.
“I don’t know what I’ll come back to,” he admitted. “There are decisions I can’t control.”
The uncertainty has only intensified transfer rumors, with Saudi Pro League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Salah, now 33, remains one of world football’s most marketable stars and would command significant attention on the open market.
A Delicate Truce?
While Salah’s inclusion in the squad against Brighton may suggest a resolution, sources inside the club have indicated that tensions remain. Slot is believed to be reasserting control as he reshapes the squad in his vision, following in the footsteps of Jürgen Klopp. Salah, who was a cornerstone of Klopp’s reign, may be finding it difficult to adjust to reduced influence under the new leadership.
The situation may remain unresolved until after the Africa Cup of Nations, with both club and player possibly reassessing their positions in February.
Liverpool, currently sitting in the top four of the Premier League, need Salah firing again if they are to maintain a title push and compete in Europe. Whether this return marks a new chapter or just a temporary ceasefire is yet to be seen.
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