Arne Slot has expressed excitement over the return of Mohamed Salah ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Olympique Marseille tonight.
The 33-year-old has missed the past fee weeks of action due to international commitments with Egypt at the recently concluded 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, where he netted four times as the Pharaohs finished fourth.
However, he missed the Reds last UCL game away at Inter Milan after he was dropped following his outburst in a public interview over limited playing minutes.
“As normal as it’s always been, with one exception and that was Inter. Let’s see for the lineup tomorrow if you still think there’s an issue. I spoke to him today and I’m happy to have him back”, Slot said.
“There’s been a moment in the season where I decided not to play Mo and one moment where I decided not to take him to the game.
“For all the other games he’s been in the squad and was the first substitution against Brighton so at that moment of time, there’s never been an issue for me.”
The four-time EPL golden boot winner was reinstated to the team before leaving for the tournament in Morocco, although it is not yet clear what role he plays now that he is back at the club.
Liverpool are hoping for a win away in France to move into the top eight position and an automatic spot for the Round of 16.
“He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals,” added Slot.
“In his absence I think we have done quite OK in terms of hardly conceding any chances and starting to create more and more … then it is really helpful to have Mohamed Salah.
“There has only been one [player still alive] who scored more for this club but I don’t think I can play Ian Rush still”, the Dutch manager concluded.
Liverpool will then welcome Qarabag to Anfield in their final match of the 2025-26 UCL league phase next week, needing a win to be assured of at least a place in the next round.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
