Insecure forward Mohamed Salah is set to return to Liverpool on Sunday once his AFCON mission in Egypt ends.
Published January 16, 2026
Liverpool manager Arne Slott says he would welcome Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah back to the Premier League champions, even if they field 15 attackers as he approaches his return from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Salah will feature in the third-place match between Egypt and Nigeria in Morocco on Saturday, as the Pharaohs lost to Senegal in the AFCON semi-finals.
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His impending return has been the talk of the town ever since he took aim at the club in a fiery interview in early December.
Salah accused Liverpool of “throwing them under the bus” after being off the bench for three games in a row and said he had nothing to do with Slott.
The 33-year-old was subsequently left out of the squad for the Reds’ Champions League match at Inter Milan, while interest in the Saudi Professional League grew to sign the volatile star.
However, he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton on December 13 and provided an assist, after which Slott said the club had moved on from the turmoil.
Slott, who finished fourth against Burnley on Saturday, was asked about Salah’s return in Sunday’s pre-match press conference.
“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday,” the Dutchman said.
“And he’s coming back to us. I’m glad he’s back. Mo was so important to this club and to me, so I’m glad he’s back.”
“I think it would be nice to have him back even if we had 15 attackers, but that’s not where we are right now. So I’m glad he’s back after the important games he still has to play.”
Salah scored 29 goals in the Premier League last season, helping Liverpool win their 20th English league title and winning the Premier League Golden Boot, but he has only scored four goals in league matches this season.
Slott was asked when he expected Salah to be available.
“Next week,” he said. “We are talking to him about what is expected of him over there and what we expect from him here.
“But first of all he has to play an important game on Saturday and will be back with us next week.”
Liverpool face Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday before traveling to Bournemouth next weekend.
The Premier League champions’ title defense collapsed with six losses in seven league games starting in late September.
However, Slott steadied the ship and the club are currently unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions.
