Slot Plays Down Salah Drama as Liverpool Star Returns Against Brighton
head coach said there was never any doubt about selecting for the squad against , insisting the decision was straightforward and that there were no issues to sort out.
The 33-year-old featured for the first time since claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” following last weekend’s 3-3 draw with . After the 2-0 win over Brighton, Slot told Sky Sports that discussions between himself and Salah would remain private, adding that the forward’s inclusion was vital. “He was back in the squad and we needed him,” he said.
Salah was warmly received by the Anfield crowd when he came on in the 26th minute after an injury to . He went on to make an immediate impact, supplying a whipped corner that led to ’s second goal, prompting chants of his name from the stands.
The Egypt international had further chances to extend the lead, firing over the bar and later overhitting a pass to , before acknowledging supporters with a lap of the pitch at full-time. Slot praised his influence, noting that Salah was a constant threat and almost created an assist for with his first touch.
Questions remain about Salah’s future, with the winger set to depart for the on Monday. Interest from the persists, raising the possibility of a January move while he is away, though Slot offered no indication of what might come next. He acknowledged the squad would be stretched during Salah’s absence but said the club had planned for it and hoped injured players could return.
Speculation has continued after Salah missed the trip to Italy for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League victory over . Saudi interest dates back some time, with Liverpool having rejected a £150m bid from in the summer of 2023. Salah still has 18 months remaining on the contract he signed in April.
Full-back praised Salah’s attitude, saying the forward brought energy and support to the team and remains hugely valued within the dressing room. He stressed there were no internal problems and described the atmosphere as positive.
Salah sits third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals in 421 appearances but has not started in the club’s last five matches. Last week, he suggested the Brighton game could be a farewell before heading to Afcon, admitting uncertainty over what would happen during the tournament. Earlier, Slot had said he did not know whether Salah had played his final game for the club, but following constructive talks, the forward was named in the squad. His agent, , is expected to hold discussions with the club while Salah is on international duty.