Premier League 2025-26: Salah returns as Ekitike double helps Liverpool beat Brighton

Exciting welcome. The first phase of Mohamed Salah’s rehabilitation at Liverpool has been completed after the Egyptian striker returned to the team for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League.

The question now, as Salah heads to the Africa Cup of Nations: is there a future for him at Anfield when he returns?

Salah, who took out his current frustrations with Liverpool last weekend, came on as a substitute in the 26th minute to a big ovation and set up the second of Hugo Ekitike’s goals as the defending champions extended their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.

Salah held talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot on Friday in an attempt to resolve their issues and resulted in Salah being recalled to the matchday squad for the match at Brighton. He had come on as a substitute for the last three Premier League matches before being left home for the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan as punishment for his explosive comments to reporters last weekend.

READ ALSO | LIV VS BHA PL 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

Liverpool fans showed they are willing to excuse Salah for his outburst and welcomed him with enthusiasm when he came on to replace the injured Joe Gomez midway through the first half.

By then Liverpool were 1-0 up thanks to Ekitike’s rising shot in the opening minute and Salah showed glimpses of his class, especially on the counter-attack. It was Salah’s corner that was headed in by Ekitike to set up the second goal in the 60th, sparking another round of chants for the Egyptian.

Salah could be away for well over a month if Egypt goes all the way in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Published on December 13, 2025