Arne Slot Strongly Hints at Mohamed Salah Champions League Start
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has dropped a significant selection hint, strongly suggesting that Mohamed Salah will be handed a starting berth in Wednesday's crucial Champions League encounter against Marseille. This match represents the Egyptian forward's first potential start since his return from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah's Return Amidst Previous Tensions
Mohamed Salah has not started a match for Liverpool since early December, following his public criticism of manager Arne Slot after the dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United. The 33-year-old was controversially left out of the squad for the subsequent European fixture against Inter Milan, after accusing the club of throwing him "under the bus" during a dip in form and openly questioning his future at Anfield.
Salah did make a brief return as a first-half substitute in the Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, but immediately departed for the Africa Cup of Nations with his position within the squad seemingly under a cloud. His inclusion in the travelling party that flew to the south of France this week, following Egypt's fourth-place finish in the tournament on Saturday, signals a potential thaw in relations.
Slot Addresses Relationship and Selection
When directly questioned about his current relationship with the prolific forward, Slot offered a revealing response. "As normal as it's always been, with one exception and that was Inter," stated the Dutch tactician. "Let's see for the line-up tomorrow if you still think there's an issue. I spoke to him today and I'm happy to have him back."
Slot elaborated on his previous decisions, emphasising they were isolated incidents. "There's been a moment in the season where I decided not to play Mo and one moment where I decided not to take him to the game. For all the other games he's been in the squad and was the first substitution against Brighton so at that moment of time, there's never been an issue for me."
Timely Return for Struggling Attack
Salah's return could prove exceptionally timely for a Liverpool side that, while on a 12-match unbeaten run, has struggled for conviction in front of goal. The team has drawn four of its last five matches, highlighting a difficulty in finishing off opponents. Salah, whose last club goal came on November 1st, arrives back in form after netting four times in six appearances for Egypt at AFCON.
"He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals," added Slot, acknowledging the forward's enduring quality. "In his absence I think we have done quite OK in terms of hardly conceding any chances and starting to create more and more...then it is really helpful to have Mohamed Salah." The manager even quipped about the forward's legendary status, noting, "There has only been one (player still alive) who scored more for this club but I don't think I can play Ian Rush still."
Alonso Speculation and Konate Update
In a lighter moment, Slot deftly handled speculation linking former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso with his job, following Alonso's sacking by Real Madrid. When asked if Alonso had contacted him, Slot joked, "Yes he called me and said 'What do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more?' Or maybe earlier, maybe he takes over tomorrow. That is the weirdest question I ever got."
In other team news, Slot confirmed he would speak with centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, who is currently in France but did not travel with the main squad due to personal reasons, to assess his potential availability for the fixture.
