LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Arne Slot has welcomed Mohamed Salah’s return to Anfield despite his team having ’15 strikers’, as the Egyptian star nears his return from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty.
Salah is scheduled to play in Egypt’s third-place match against Nigeria in Morocco tomorrow night.
His return has been in the spotlight following a controversial interview earlier this month, when Salah claimed the club had ‘sacrificed’ him after being rested for three consecutive games and claimed to have no relationship with Slot.
However, Salah was brought on as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton on December 13, where he provided an assist, before Slot insisted the club had put the controversy behind them.
“First of all, he has to play another big match with Egypt this Saturday,” said Slot.
“Then he will come back to us and I am happy with his return. Mo is very important for this club and also for me, so I am happy he is back.
“Even if I had 15 strikers, I would still be happy if he came back, but that’s not our situation right now. So I’m happy he’ll be back after another important game that he needs to play.”
Salah scored 29 league goals last season to win the Premier League Golden Boot, but has only scored four goals so far in the current campaign.
Liverpool will face Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, in the Champions League early Thursday morning before traveling to Bournemouth next weekend.