Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he is “delighted that” Mohamed Salah is available again for Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Marseille to boost his attacking options.
Salah could make his first start for the Reds since November 26, ahead of an explosive interview last month that targeted Slot.
The Egyptian accused the club of throwing him «under the bus» after he was benched for three games in a row and said he had no relationship with the Dutchman.
But he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton on December 13 before leaving for Egypt’s participation in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
READ | Mohamed Salah heading to Liverpool? The Egyptian attacker hints at a disagreement with manager Slot
«Let’s look at the line-up tomorrow if you still think there is a problem. I spoke to him today and I’m happy he’s back,» Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“There was a moment in the season when I decided not to play against Mo and a moment when I decided not to take him to the match.
“For all the other games he was in the squad and was the first substitute against Brighton, so there was never a problem for me at that time.”
Salah is Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 421 appearances, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining from Roma in 2017.
He signed a lucrative new two-year contract last year as he played a key role in guiding Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
But he has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool’s struggles this season, scoring just five goals in all competitions.
However, Slot is in dire need of firepower as fans are critical of his unwieldy playing style.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 games but have drawn four of their last five games either side of victory over third division Barnsley in the FA Cup.
The loss of Alexander Isak to a broken leg has increased the English champions’ need to rediscover Salah’s best form, which he showed glimpses of by scoring four times in six matches at the AFCON.
“He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals,” Slot said.
«I think we did quite well in his absence because we hardly gave away any chances and started to create more and more. Then it is very useful to have Mohamed Salah.»
Liverpool is eleventh in the Champions League competition phase.
The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16, while the teams placed ninth to 24th will play a play-off round.
Published on January 21, 2026
