Mohamed Salah will be back in the Liverpool squad when Arne Slot's team host Brighton on Saturday, after the head coach and forward held face-to-face talks at the club's training centre on Friday. The meeting came after a week of tension following Salah's accusation that the club had thrown him under a bus after the match at Leeds last weekend, and his claim that his relationship with Slot had broken down.
Details of the conversation between Slot and Salah remain private, and it is not known whether the 33-year-old apologised for his highly critical interview at Elland Road. However, his inclusion in the squad for the match at Anford indicates some improvement in relations, with Slot having earlier stated that Salah's involvement depended on the outcome of their discussion.
Slot admitted the situation had been a strain, saying: "I am definitely not enjoying this situation. It's not like I'm happy we are in this situation by far." He insisted he had treated Salah with respect, consistent with his status at the club, and that he had no reasons for not wanting him to stay. However, issues remain over Salah's response to being benched for three successive games, and the Africa Cup of Nations break will give the Liverpool hierarchy and Salah's representative an opportunity to address the situation.
Salah had previously stated that the Brighton game could be an opportunity to say goodbye to Liverpool fans before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. He had asked his mother to be present at Anford in case it proved to be his final game for the club. Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are known to be keen on signing the forward.
