Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been named in the squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton, following positive and direct talks with head coach Arne Slot on Friday.
The decision marks a notable de-escalation in a tense week at Anfield, after Salah’s very public frustrations raised serious questions about his immediate future at the club. It is understood Slot opted to include the Egyptian forward after weighing the broader interests of Liverpool, particularly with several key players sidelined through injury.
With attacking options limited and a demanding run of fixtures ahead, the head coach appeared keen to restore stability rather than allow a high-profile dispute to deepen. However, while Salah’s return to the matchday squad offers short-term calm, underlying issues between player and coach have not been fully resolved.
Those discussions are expected to continue between Liverpool’s hierarchy and Salah’s long-time agent, Ramy Abbas, while the player is away on international duty. The 33-year-old was notably absent from Liverpool’s travelling squad for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan, a decision that intensified speculation over a breakdown in relations.
Salah later claimed his relationship with Slot had fractured, stating he felt he had been “thrown under the bus” following recent team selections. The comments came after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds at Elland Road, where Salah started on the bench for the third consecutive match.
That run of omissions was highly unusual for a player who has been a central figure at Anfield for nearly a decade. In an emotionally charged post-match interview, Salah suggested Saturday’s match could represent a farewell to the club, revealing he had invited his mother to attend.
Those remarks sent shockwaves through the Liverpool fanbase and added urgency to internal talks aimed at preventing further fallout. Slot, speaking earlier on Friday, sought to strike a conciliatory tone, insisting there were “no reasons to not want Mohamed Salah to stay” at Liverpool.
Pressed on the forward’s long-term future, the Dutch coach acknowledged the importance of dialogue, stressing that clarity would depend on private discussions. “I will have a conversation with Mo,” Slot said. “The outcome of that conversation determines how things will look.”
Salah’s situation is further complicated by his recent contract extension, having signed a new two-year deal in April that was meant to secure his future. Despite that agreement, recent events have exposed strains over communication, selection decisions, and mutual trust between player and manager.
Liverpool sources maintain that no disciplinary action was taken against Salah, and his omission from recent squads was framed as a tactical choice. Yet the forward’s reaction highlighted how sensitive his role has become during a transitional period under a new head coach.
Saturday’s fixture against Brighton now carries added significance, both competitively and symbolically, as Liverpool attempt to refocus on football. Whether Salah starts or features from the bench, his presence alone is likely to dominate attention inside Anfield.
With the Africa Cup of Nations looming, Liverpool face the challenge of balancing short-term needs with longer-term harmony. For now, Salah’s inclusion suggests compromise rather than resolution, offering a temporary ceasefire in a situation that remains finely balanced.
