LIVERPOOL: Mohamed Salah has been recalled to Liverpool’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton, following what have been described as behind-the-scenes peace talks with head coach Arne Slot.
The Egypt international’s return comes after a turbulent week that saw him spark widespread controversy with a blunt post-match interview following Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Leeds United.
In the interview, Salah claimed he had been thrown under the bus by the club and revealed that he no longer had a relationship with Slot, comments that dominated headlines and fueled speculation about his future at Anfield.
The fallout from the interview was immediate, as the 33-year-old forward was completely omitted from Liverpool’s squad for Tuesday’s 1–0 victory over Inter Milan.
His absence was widely interpreted as a disciplinary decision amid reports of tension between player and manager.
However, according to reports from report Salah has now been reinstated into the squad for the Brighton encounter.
The timing of his recall is particularly notable, as the winger is expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the match, making this potentially his final appearance for Liverpool before international duty.
Salah has endured a challenging period on the pitch, having not started any of Liverpool’s last four matches.
His dip in form has mirrored the club’s struggles this season, with the Reds slipping to 10th place on the Premier League table after 15 games.
This represents a significant downturn from last season, when Liverpool lifted the league title in Arne Slot’s first campaign following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
While it remains unclear whether Salah has offered a private apology to Slot, sources suggest that discussions have taken place between both parties, though the details of those talks have not been disclosed.
His post-Leeds comments also drew strong criticism from several quarters, including Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who described the interview as unacceptable.
Speaking after the Leeds game, Salah had expressed frustration at being benched, saying it was the first time in his career he had sat out an entire match on three occasions.
He accused the club of failing to keep promises made during the summer and suggested he was being made a scapegoat for the team’s struggles.
Carragher, reacting to the interview, said Salah’s comments were damaging, alleging that such media appearances were often carefully planned to strengthen the player’s position during periods of uncertainty.
Despite the recent turmoil, Salah remains one of the most decorated and influential players in Liverpool’s history. Since joining the club from Roma in 2017, he has scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists in 420 appearances.
His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Community Shield, cementing his legacy as a modern Liverpool great.
Whether his return to the squad signals a lasting resolution or a temporary truce ahead of AFCON remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on Anfield as Liverpool take on Brighton this weekend.
