Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has stressed how important Mohamed Salah is to the team, saying he would gladly welcome the forward back even with plenty of attacking options.
Slot made the comment ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley, as Salah prepares to return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.
“Even if I had 15 attackers, I would still have been happy if he came back. Mo has been so important for this club, and for me, so I am happy that he is back,” Slot said.
The Dutch coach added that Salah is expected to rejoin the Liverpool squad after Egypt’s next AFCON game on Saturday, although it is still unclear if he will feature in upcoming matches.
Slot said, “First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us.
“We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and what is expected over here.”
Since Salah left for AFCON, Liverpool have gone six matches unbeaten, winning three of them. The Reds will host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday before travelling to Marseille for a Champions League fixture next Wednesday.
Slot said no final decision has been made on whether Salah will play against Marseille or be rested until Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth on January 24.
“We are in talks about that now. Next week he will be back,” Slot said.
Salah, who has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool, was involved in a highly publicized disagreement with Slot last month, but the coach chose not to discuss it.
“What happens between Mo and me stays between the two of us. I do not think it is necessary to share private conversations,” Slot said.
With record signing Alexander Isak out for several months following surgery on a left leg fracture, Salah’s return is expected to strengthen Liverpool’s attack.
Slot also confirmed that Liverpool have no new injury concerns, with Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni the only long-term absentees
