Arne Slot has indicated Mohamed Salah is likely to feature from the outset when Liverpool faces Marseille in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture, playing down any suggestion of a rift between coach and attacker.
Arne Slot has indicated Mohamed Salah is likely to feature from the outset when Liverpool faces Marseille in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture, playing down any suggestion of a rift between coach and attacker.
The Egyptian has not been named in a Liverpool starting XI since the heavy home loss to PSV Eindhoven in November, although he enjoyed a productive Africa Cup of Nations campaign, scoring four times as Egypt ended the tournament in fourth place.
Before travelling to the competition, the forward had caused a stir with a strongly worded interview, suggesting he was being sidelined deliberately and that communication with Slot had broken down following his omission.
Slot explained that decisions to leave Salah out were isolated choices rather than evidence of a wider problem, stressing that the player had otherwise remained part of his plans throughout the campaign.
He added that Salah trained with the squad and was available again, suggesting the team selection against Marseille would show there was no lingering dispute.
Liverpool have remained unbeaten while Salah was away on international duty, and Slot acknowledged that defensive solidity and gradual attacking improvement had been evident during that period.
However, the head coach admitted having the club’s most prolific Champions League contributor back at his disposal was a significant boost as the competition intensifies.
Slot pointed out that Salah’s tally of 45 goals in Europe’s elite tournament far outweighs that of any other current Liverpool player, underlining the value of his experience and finishing ability.
He also noted that squad depth in wide roles has been limited this season, making Salah’s return particularly timely ahead of crucial continental fixtures.
Liverpool travelled to France with a 20-man group, though Ibrahima Konate was absent due to a personal family issue.
The meeting with Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, carries weight in the race to secure a top-eight position in the league phase and avoid additional knockout playoff matches.
Liverpool will conclude their group campaign at home to Qarabag on Wednesday, 28 January, with results across both fixtures shaping their route into the next stage.
