Mohamed Salah has been named in Liverpool’s squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton, following what were described as constructive discussions with head coach Arne Slot on Friday.
Sources indicate that the decision was reached with Slot prioritising the overall welfare of the team, especially as several key players remain unavailable due to injuries.
Although tensions have not been entirely resolved, Liverpool officials — alongside Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas — are expected to continue addressing the remaining issues while the forward participates in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Earlier in the week, the 33-year-old was omitted from Liverpool’s travelling squad for the Champions League tie against Inter Milan. That decision followed Salah’s claims that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated and that he had been “thrown under the bus”.
His comments were made at Elland Road after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, a match in which he remained on the bench for the third consecutive game.
During that post-match discussion, Salah hinted that Saturday’s fixture might serve as a farewell moment at Anfield and revealed that he had invited his mother to attend the match.
Speaking in his pre-match press briefing on Friday, Slot insisted there were “no reasons to not want Mohamed Salah to stay” at Liverpool.
Pressed further about the future of the Egyptian forward — who agreed to a new two-year deal in April — Slot noted: “I will speak with Mo. Whatever comes from that conversation will shape what happens next.”
Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, hoping to end a run of two consecutive league draws.
Salah, who has netted 250 goals in 420 matches for the Reds, has been left unused in two of Liverpool’s last three Premier League fixtures.
His most recent appearance came as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on 3 December, while his last start was in the Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven on 26 November.
With Cody Gakpo ruled out due to a muscle problem and Alexander Isak battling a knock, Liverpool find themselves short of forward options for the weekend.
“After the Sunderland match, many discussions took place between his representatives and ours — and between him and me,” Slot explained.
Salah will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday and may not be back until after the final on 18 January, depending on Egypt’s progress.
If Egypt advance to the final in Morocco, he could miss as many as eight matches for Liverpool.
So far this season, Salah has scored five goals in 18 outings across the Premier League and Champions League.
