Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that he has been in close communication with Mohamed Salah regarding the club’s expectations ahead of the star forward’s return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next week.
Salah’s journey with the Egyptian national team in the 2025 Africa Cup ended in disappointment once again. Egypt’s campaign was halted in the semifinals after a narrow defeat to Senegal, courtesy of a decisive goal from Sadio Mane, Salah’s former Liverpool teammate.
This result confirmed that Salah’s final match in the tournament will be the third-place playoff against Nigeria on Saturday night (January 17, 2026). Consequently, Salah is set to miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley on the same day.
However, Slot has opened the door for his key winger to return in time for Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Marseille in the first leg next week.
“He will be available next week,” Slot confirmed on Friday.
“We spoke with him about what is expected from him there and what we expect from him here,” the Dutch coach explained.
“Most importantly, he still has an important match there. He plays on Saturday, and after that, he will come back to us. We are discussing whether he will be ready for the Champions League,” he added.
Private Conversations Between Coach and Star
Slot refrained from sharing further details of his discussions with Salah, emphasizing that their private communication is not for public consumption.
“What happens between Mo and me, whether over the phone or in person, is a matter for the two of us,” Slot said.
“I don’t feel the need to share private conversations with any player,” he added.
Despite keeping things private, Slot did not hide his relief at Salah’s impending return. The 32-year-old forward has not started a match since November 26, 2025, when Liverpool suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
This long spell on the bench fueled tensions, culminating in Salah’s emotional revelation that he “has no relationship whatsoever” with Slot.
Salah’s Response and Reconciliation
After days of speculation, the situation finally stabilized. Salah’s most recent appearance for Liverpool was a promising cameo off the bench in a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
“I am happy he’s back,” Slot stressed.
“He is very important for this club, and also for me personally.”
“I’m happy to welcome him back. Even if I had 15 forwards, I would still be delighted to see him return, although clearly that’s not our current situation!” he added.
Liverpool is indeed facing limited attacking options. Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg during international duty, while Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with a minor hamstring injury. This situation has forced Slot to experiment with various attacking combinations.
Liverpool Struggles Without Salah
Since Salah was left out of the starting lineup in November, Liverpool has gone unbeaten in 11 matches. However, Slot highlighted that five of those matches ended in draws, signaling that the reigning champions are still searching for the perfect balance.
Slot admitted that Liverpool has yet to find the ideal formula without Salah. The decision to sideline the star forward came after the team conceded ten goals in three consecutive defeats.
During the 2024/25 season, Salah had defensive responsibilities eased due to his attacking efficiency in the final third. However, his goal and assist contributions have declined this season, leading to questions about his defensive work.
Ironically, in Salah’s absence, Liverpool has swung to the other extreme. Slot even described the team’s current play as “boring,” controlling possession safely but generating few dangerous opportunities.
“We have barely conceded any clear chances in the last 11 games,” Slot noted.
“Yet previously, when we were losing repeatedly, we were creating many opportunities but also conceding more. Those were more open matches, and perhaps fans miss that excitement. But the results weren’t what we wanted,” he added.
Waiting for the Team to Click
Slot is hopeful that Liverpool will soon achieve the right balance.
“I am waiting for the moment when everything truly clicks, when people say, ‘The possession is enjoyable to watch, and now there are also plenty of opportunities,’” he said.
“But when we create more chances, we might have to play more openly. At certain points this season, we were too vulnerable to counterattacks,” Slot explained.
“We need to find that balance, and we will find it,” he continued.
“I see the players developing, becoming fitter and better. We are just waiting for the right moment to really push this season forward,” he added.
The big question remains: will Mohamed Salah’s return be the catalyst Liverpool needs? The answer is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, as the Reds look to regain momentum in both the Premier League and Champions League.
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