Liverpool manager Arne Slot announced he is “happy to have” Mohamed Salah available for the team’s upcoming Champions League match against Marseille on Wednesday, as the club looks to reinvigorate its struggling attack.
Salah’s return follows a period of public tension with the manager. The Egyptian forward, who could make his first start since November 26, gave an interview last month accusing the club of throwing him “under the bus” after he was benched for three consecutive games.
During a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Slot addressed the situation directly, dismissing claims of an ongoing issue. “I spoke to him today and I’m happy to have him back,” Slot said. “There’s been a moment in the season where I decided not to play Mo… For all the other games he’s been in the squad and was the first substitution against Brighton so at that moment of time, there’s never been an issue for me.”
Liverpool is in critical need of offensive firepower. The team is currently on a 12-game unbeaten streak but has drawn four of its last five matches. The recent loss of striker Alexander Isak to a broken leg has further intensified the need for goals.
Despite a difficult season where he has scored only five goals for his club, Salah demonstrated his scoring capabilities at the Africa Cup of Nations, netting four goals in six games for Egypt.
“He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals,” Slot noted. “In his absence I think we have done quite ok… then it is really helpful to have Mohamed Salah.”
Liverpool currently holds the 11th position in the Champions League league phase and requires a strong performance to improve its chances of automatic qualification for the last 16.
