Arne Slot Reveals Bold Expectations for Mohamed Salah as Liverpool Star Prepares for Comeback
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has disclosed that conversations have taken place with Mohamed Salah regarding the club's requirements for the player as he prepares to return from the Africa Cup of Nations next week.
Following Egypt's defeat to a crucial goal from Salah's ex-Liverpool colleague and Senegal star Sadio Mané in the AFCON semi-final, it was announced that his final international appearance would be in Saturday's third-place match against Nigeria.
This fixture means Salah cannot participate in Liverpool's Premier League clash with Burnley on the same day. Nevertheless, Slot suggested the possibility of the forward's participation in next Wednesday's Champions League fixture away at Marseille.
"He will be ready next week," Slot stated on Friday. "We are discussing with him what is required of him there and what we require here.
"Initially, he must focus on a crucial match there. He has a significant game on Saturday first, then he will rejoin us.
"We are discussing together whether he will be ready for the Champions League."
The nature of these requirements remains uncertain. "What occurs between Mo and myself, through our phones or here, remains between us," Slot remarked. "I don't believe it's essential for me to reveal the private discussions I have with any of my players."
Another tournament passes by without a trophy for Mo Salah.
The agonising wait comes after Egypt won three AFCON in a row before his debut. pic.twitter.com/LOAKny7WoV
Nevertheless, the Dutch manager was more forthcoming about his pleasure at having Salah back available. Liverpool's leading goalscorer for eight straight seasons has not started a match for the Reds since Nov. 26, 2025—a devastating 4–1 loss to PSV Eindhoven. This extended period on the substitutes' bench ultimately pushed Salah to his limit, triggering a remarkable outburst where he disclosed that he "has no relationship" with Slot.
Following several days of intense speculation, the duo managed to reconcile and Salah's latest Liverpool appearance was an encouraging substitute performance in a 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
"I'm pleased he returns," Slot emphasized this week, "he has been incredibly valuable to the club, and to me.
"I'm delighted he's returning, even if I had 15 forwards I would still be pleased to have him back—but that's not our present situation!"
Alexander Isak suffered a leg fracture during Salah's unsuccessful international campaign, while Hugo Ekitiké also sustained a minor hamstring problem, compelling Slot to try various attacking formations.
Since Salah was initially benched in November, Liverpool have maintained an 11-match unbeaten streak. Yet, as Slot noted, five of those have ended in draws as the title holders continue seeking tactical equilibrium.
Slot Admits Liverpool Haven't Found Balance Without Salah
Slot Admits Liverpool Haven't Found Balance Without Salah
Slot benched Salah following a run of conceding 10 goals in three consecutive losses. The attacker had received special treatment regarding defensive duties during a successful 2024–25 campaign due to his attacking productivity in the final third. That contribution has diminished this season. Without a consistent flow of goals and assists, Salah's defensive commitment (or absence of it) faced increased examination.
However, without this alleged defensive weakness in the lineup, Liverpool have swung to the other extreme. Slot has reluctantly admitted that his team are now "tedious," carefully maintaining possession without generating as many scoring chances as previously.
"We've barely allowed opportunities in the last 11 matches," Slot contended, "but in the earlier period when we lost many games we generated plenty but allowed more than we have lately. Those were more attacking games, which perhaps people now reflect on and desire back. But the outcomes weren't what we wanted them to be."
Liverpool's Defensive Improvement Has Come at an Attacking Cost
Liverpool's Defensive Improvement Has Come at an Attacking Cost
Statistic (per Game) | Pre Unbeaten Run | During Current Unbeaten Run |
|---|---|---|
Games | 20 | 11 |
Expected Goals For | 1.73 | 1.35 |
Total Shots For | 15.6 | 14.3 |
Shots on Target For | 5.0 | 4.1 |
Expected Goals Against | 1.11 | 0.84 |
Total Shots Against | 10.9 | 9.5 |
Shots on Target Against | 4.0 | 2.9 |
Stats via FBref.
"I'm anticipating and awaiting the moment when everything truly connects, and people say, 'Ah, it was pleasant to watch that ball retention but now there are also numerous chances,'" Slot continued.
"But when we create more opportunities, we likely need to be somewhat more exposed. During a certain phase of this season we allowed quite a few counter-attacks, so we must find an optimal balance in creating while also conceding very little."
"We must find equilibrium, and we will," the Dutch manager confidently stated. "I can observe the players developing, they're improving and becoming fitter. We're simply awaiting a moment where we can accelerate our season even more than we have in recent matches."
Whether Salah's comeback will provide that spark remains uncertain.