OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Liverpool manager Arne Slot has underlined the indispensable nature of Mohamed Salah, stating that he would prioritize the Egyptian forward even if he had 15 other attackers at his disposal.
Speaking ahead of the Reds’ Premier League encounter with Burnley, Slot expressed his delight at having Salah back in the fold following his participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The head coach’s comments highlight the winger’s continued importance to Liverpool’s tactical plans and title ambitions
”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 Dutchman explained that Salah is expected to rejoin the Liverpool squad after Egypt’s next AFCON fixture on Saturday, though his availability for upcoming matches remains undecided.
Slot said, “First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us.
READ ALSO: Salah Denies Rumors Of New Liverpool Deal
“We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and what is expected over here.”
Liverpool have remained unbeaten in six matches since Salah departed for AFCON, winning three of those games.
The Reds host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday before travelling to Marseille for a Champions League encounter next Wednesday.
Slot said no final decision had been made on whether Salah would feature against Marseille or be held back until Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth on January 24.
“We are in talks about that now,. Next week he will be back,” Slot said.
Salah, who has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool, was involved in a highly publicised disagreement with Slot last month. However, the coach declined to comment on the matter.
“What happens between Mo and me stays between the two of us. I don’t think it is necessary to share private conversations,” Slot said.
With record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for several months after surgery on a left leg fracture, Salah’s return is expected to further strengthen 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.