Liverpool coach Arne Slot hails Mohamed Salah’s return from AFCON, stressing the forward’s key role in the squad

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has affirmed the importance of forward Mohamed Salah to the club, saying he would welcome the player back even with an abundance of attacking options.

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Slot made the remarks ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley, as Salah prepares to return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.

“Even if I had 15 attackers, I’d still have been happy if he came back. Mo has been so important for this club, and for me, so I am happy that he is back,” Slot said.

The Dutch coach explained that Salah is expected to rejoin the Liverpool squad after Egypt’s next AFCON fixture on Saturday.

However, his availability for upcoming matches, including Liverpool’s trip to Marseille in the Champions League next Wednesday, remains undecided.

“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us. We are talking together about what is expected of him over there and what is expected over here,” Slot said.

Liverpool have remained unbeaten in six matches since Salah departed for AFCON, winning three of those games.

Slot confirmed no new injury concerns, with record signing Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni being the only long-term absentees.

Salah, who has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool, was involved in a highly publicised disagreement with Slot last month.

The coach declined to comment, saying, “What happens between Mo and me stays between the two of us. I don’t think it is necessary to share private conversations.”

With Isak sidelined for several months after surgery on a left leg fracture, Salah’s return is expected to further bolster Liverpool’s attacking options.

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The club will host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday before travelling to Marseille.