Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Mohamed Salah is set to rejoin Liverpool’s match-day squad this weekend after holding constructive talks with manager Arne Slot, easing at least for now the most turbulent episode of the club’s season.
The meeting took place on Friday afternoon at Liverpool’s training complex, where Salah and Slot spoke candidly about the tensions that had spilled into public view over the past week. According to club sources, the discussion ended with a handshake and an agreement to move forward, paving the way for the Egyptian forward to be considered for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.
The thaw follows a dramatic sequence of events that began when Salah was omitted from the squad for Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday. The 31-year-old did not travel to Italy, fuelling speculation that his relationship with Slot appointed in the summer had collapsed. Salah’s post-match comments following the team’s 3–3 draw with Leeds days earlier had already ignited the crisis, with the forward claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club and no longer had “any relationship” with his manager.
In an unusually forthright interview, Salah expressed disbelief at being benched for full matches on three occasions in recent weeks. “I have done so much for this club,” he said. “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on the bench so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.”
The comments drew sharp reactions from Liverpool greats. Jamie Carragher called the interview “a disgrace,” while Steven Gerrard said Salah was “wrong” to suggest he had been hung out to dry. Within the squad, players attempted to strike a delicate balance, publicly supporting the manager’s authority while acknowledging Salah’s immense contribution to the club across seven seasons.
Slot, for his part, adopted a measured tone when addressing the media on Friday morning, hinting that reconciliation was possible. “I have no reasons not wanting him to stay,” he said, offering the first sign that both parties were preparing to step back from the brink.
Friday’s meeting now appears to have stabilised the situation. However, it is understood that discussions between Salah’s representatives and the club hierarchy will continue during the forward’s upcoming involvement with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. The temporary truce is expected to carry Liverpool through the coming weeks and prevent further disruption to their title challenge.
Salah has not started any of Liverpool’s last four matches, and his potential return on Saturday presents Slot with a tactical dilemma. Liverpool have adapted well in his absence, utilising a diamond formation and relying on the movement of Hugo Ekitike and others in attack. Salah, who earns more than £400,000 per week and has long defined Liverpool’s right flank, may need to adapt to a different role if he is to be immediately reinstated.
The forward could be drafted into a more central position against Brighton, particularly with Alexander Isak nursing a minor injury. Whether Slot hands him a starting place or opts for a more gradual reintegration will be a closely watched storyline as Liverpool attempt to maintain momentum.
Beyond the pitch, Salah’s future remains a subject of intrigue. The Daily Mail reported interest from three Saudi Pro League clubs as well as enquiries from Major League Soccer, though the likelihood of an imminent departure now appears reduced after Friday’s meeting.
Liverpool supporters had feared the situation had reached a point of no return. For the moment, at least, bridges have been rebuilt and Salah’s return to the squad suggests that one of the club’s most significant relationships may be salvaged after all.
