Arne Slot Faces Major Mohamed Salah Decision as Liverpool Consider Midfield Change

Arne Slot is preparing to welcome back star forward Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emphasizing his crucial role at Liverpool amid ongoing squad challenges and potential tactical shifts.[1][4]

Salah's Egypt was knocked out in the AFCON semifinals by Senegal, but the 33-year-old will play in the third-place match against Nigeria on Saturday before returning to Liverpool. Slot expressed delight at Salah's imminent return, stating, "Mo has been so important for this club and me," despite past tensions. Salah previously sparked controversy with an interview claiming Liverpool had thrown him "under the bus" over poor form and alleging a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He was omitted from a Champions League game against Inter Milan but featured in a 2-0 win over Brighton before departing for AFCON, with Slot confirming the issue was resolved.[1]

The Dutch manager faces a major decision on Salah's immediate involvement, particularly for Liverpool's upcoming Champions League clash with Marseille next Wednesday. "We are in talks with him and what is expected of him over there and over here," Slot noted, prioritizing Salah's national team commitment first.[1] Liverpool, on an unbeaten run of 11 games since a November defeat to PSV Eindhoven, host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, aiming to extend that streak to 12.[1]

Adding complexity, Slot revealed Liverpool's openness to January transfers amid injuries to defenders like Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, and Alexander Isak's absence until March. Stretched in defense and attack, the club won't panic buy but could sell if offers align with their model. Slot stressed a meticulous process: "If the right player arrives... we will act."[2] Speculation around Salah has ended following Slot's positive remarks, signaling a truce, though pundit Craig Burley warned of slim chances for Salah and another star to regain top form.[3][5]

With midfield changes under consideration to address form dips and injuries, Slot must balance Salah's reintegration, squad rotation, and transfer strategy to sustain Liverpool's momentum.[1][2]

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