Arne Slot says he is happy to have Mohamed Salah back at Liverpool after the Africa Cup of Nations, despite their recent public disagreement.
LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot said he would welcome Mohamed Salah back even if he had 15 other attackers.
The Egypt forward is nearing a return from the Africa Cup of Nations and is set to play in Egypt’s third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday.
Salah’s impending return has been a major talking point after he criticised the club in an explosive interview in early December.
He accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after being benched and said he had no relationship with Slot.
The manager subsequently said the club had moved on from the furore after Salah provided an assist as a substitute in a win over Brighton.
Slot was asked about Salah’s return at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Burnley.
“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday,” said the Dutchman.
“And then he comes back to us, and I’m happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I’m happy that he’s back.”
Slot added that he would be happy to have Salah back even with a squad full of attackers.
Salah scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool won the title but has managed just four league goals in the current campaign.
Slot confirmed he expects Salah to be available next week following discussions with the player.
Liverpool face Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday before travelling to Bournemouth next weekend.
The club are now unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions after a difficult run earlier in the season.
