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Mohamed Salah is set to return to Liverpool’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton following what have been described as behind-the-scenes peace talks with head coach Arne Slot.
The development comes days after Salah sparked controversy in a candid interview following Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Leeds United. In that interview, he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” and said he had “no relationship” with Slot. The comments fueled speculation over his future at Anfield and led to Salah being omitted from Tuesday’s 1–0 victory over Inter Milan.
Reports from The Guardian now indicate that the 33-year-old forward has been recalled for the Brighton fixture. Salah is expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the game, making his reintegration into the squad particularly notable.
Salah has not started any of Liverpool’s last four matches and has struggled with form, coinciding with the club’s own difficulties this season. The Reds sit 10th in the Premier League after 15 games—a stark contrast to last season, when they won the title under Slot’s management.
While it remains unclear whether Salah has formally apologised to Slot, sources suggest discussions have taken place, though details have not been made public. His post-Leeds comments drew widespread attention and criticism, including from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Speaking after the Leeds draw, Salah said:
“I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career, I think.
[I am] very disappointed. I have done so much for this club over the years, especially last season. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel.
Someone wants me to take all the blame. The club promised me a lot in the summer. Now I’m on the bench, so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.
I used to have a good relationship [with manager Slot]. Now we don’t have any relationship, and I don’t know why.”
Carragher described the interview as “unacceptable,” adding:
“I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game. Whenever Mo Salah stops in the mixed zone—which he’s done four times in eight years at Liverpool—it’s choreographed between him and his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.”
Despite criticism over a perceived dip in intensity this season, Salah remains one of Liverpool’s most successful players, having scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists in 420 appearances.
Since joining from Roma in 2017, he has helped the club win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup, Super Cup, and Community Shield, cementing his status as a modern Liverpool great.
