Arne Slot 'Happy' About Mohamed Salah Situation as Liverpool Holds Talks

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed delight at Mohamed Salah's imminent return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emphasizing the Egyptian star's vital role despite past tensions.[1][2]

Salah's Egypt was knocked out in the AFCON semifinals by Senegal, but the 33-year-old will play in Saturday's third-place match against Nigeria before rejoining Liverpool. Slot, speaking ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield, repeatedly used the word "happy" to underscore his positivity.[1][2]

"Mo has been so important for this club and me... Even if I had 15 attackers, I would be happy to see Mo back but that is not our situation."[1][2][4]

This comes after a rocky period in December. Salah sparked controversy with an interview claiming Liverpool had "thrown him under the bus" amid poor form and alleging a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He was omitted from the UEFA Champions League squad against Inter Milan but returned as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Brighton before heading to AFCON in Morocco.[1][2]

Tensions appear resolved, with Slot hinting at closure. Liverpool are on an 11- or 12-match unbeaten run across competitions—Salah featured in the early ones—and remain stable despite injuries to new signing Alexander Isak (leg fracture) and Conor Bradley (season-ending knee).[1][2]

Slot confirmed ongoing talks with Salah about his availability for next Wednesday's Champions League game against Marseille, balancing national duties: "We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and over here."[1][2]

While performances need sharpening post their November loss to PSV Eindhoven, Slot's focus is clear: reintegrating his key attacker to sustain momentum.[1]

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