BBC

'We needed him' - Slot says it was 'easy decision' to recall Salah

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Mohamed Salah made his return for Liverpool in Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton.The 33-year-old Egypt forward was named as a substitute but came on in the 26th minute following an injury to defender Joe Gomez.Liverpool fans cheered as Salah came on.It was his first time in a Reds squad since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club following last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds.Reds boss Arne Slot only named eight substitutes instead of nine for Saturday's game.Salah did not travel to Italy for their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.He is due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.With Saudi Pro League clubs interested in signing Salah when the transfer window reopens next month, there is the possibility this could be his final game for Liverpool.Saudi clubs have been interested in Salah for some time and Liverpool rejected a £150m offer from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023.He still has 18 months left to run on the deal he signed in April.Salah is Liverpool's third top goalscorer of all time with 250 strikes in 421 games - but he has not started for Liverpool in five consecutive games.Last weekend Salah said he had invited his family to come to the Brighton game, adding: "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."Earlier in the week Slot said "I have no clue" if Salah had played his last game for the club.But after positive talks during the week, Salah was named in the squad to face Brighton.Salah's agent Ramy Abbas is due to talk to the club while Salah is on international duty at Afcon.