If you thought Salah's time at Anfield was over, you'll be shocked by Slot's latest comment
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 16.01.26. | 21:06
The Dutch manager is ready to welcome him back with open arms after the AFCON
Mohamed Salah will be back at Liverpool next week, and manager Arne Slot couldn't be happier - even if he already had "15 attackers" in his squad.
The Egyptian forward, who has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for the Reds, has been away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. He will return after Saturday's third-place playoff against Nigeria, bringing relief to a Liverpool attack that has coped without him but will be boosted by his presence.
Salah's time away hasn’t been quiet. Just before leaving for the AFCON, he gave a fiery interview, claiming that "someone doesn't want me in the club" and suggesting a strained relationship with Slot. He was left out of the squad for Liverpool's 1-0 victory at Inter Milan but came off the bench to register an assist in the 4-0 win over Brighton four days later.
Slot admitted that before the Inter clash, he "had no clue" if Salah had played his last game for Liverpool. Now, the Dutch manager is ready to welcome him back with open arms.
"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."
Liverpool have gone unbeaten in six games since Salah departed for AFCON, winning three, and face Burnley at Anfield on Saturday (5 pm). With record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for several months due to a leg fracture, the return of Salah could not be better timed.
The Reds travel to Marseille for a Champions League clash on Wednesday, though Slot has not confirmed if Salah will feature.
"We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and over here. But first, he has an important game on Saturday, and next week he will be back," Slot explained.
On the fallout last month, Slot remained diplomatic:
"What happens between Mo and me, on the phone or over here, stays between the two of us. I don't think it's necessary to share all the private conversations I have."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22
Saturday
15.30: (3.55) Man.Utd. (4.00) Man.City (2.00)
18.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.00) Brentford (4.80)
18.00: (2.25) Leeds (3.45) Fulham (3.45)
18.00: (1.23) Liverpool (6.75) Burnley (15.0)
18.00: (2.70) Sunderland (3.20) Crystal Palace (2.85)
18.00: (1.75) Tottenham (3.90) West Ham (5.00)
20.30: (6.00) Nott.Forest (4.25) Arsenal (1.55)
Sunday
17.00: (4.80) Wolverhampton (4.00) Newcastle (1.75)
19.30: (1.70) Aston Villa (4.00) Everton (5.30)
Monday
23.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.80) Bournemouth (4.20)
***odds are subject to change***
