Salah’s return forces key decisions for Slot as Liverpool’s schedule tightens

January 17, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s January schedule is about to gain an added layer of complexity with Mohamed Salah set to return from international duty, ending a month in which the club have managed solid results while questions lingered over one of their most influential players.

The 33-year-old forward is due back on Merseyside next week after representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is expected to feature in Saturday’s third-place play-off against Nigeria before rejoining his club.

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already outlined the plan for Salah’s return, though the forward’s immediate availability remains undecided.

“First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us,” Slot said.

Slot signals desire to reintegrate forward

Despite recent uncertainty, Slot made it clear he is keen to welcome Salah back into the squad. Speaking ahead of a busy run of domestic and European fixtures, the Dutchman stressed the player’s long-standing importance to Liverpool.

“I am happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I am happy that he is back,” Slot said.

“Even if I had 15 attackers I still would have been happy if he came back but that is not our current situation.”

Salah’s record underlines that status. He has scored 250 goals in 421 appearances since joining Liverpool, making him one of the most prolific players in the club’s modern history.

Fallout before Afcon drew attention

Salah’s absence coincided with heightened scrutiny following an interview he gave shortly before departing for Afcon. In that interview, he said “someone doesn’t want me in the club” and claimed he had no relationship with Slot, comments that prompted widespread speculation about his future.

At the time, Slot admitted he had “no clue” whether Salah had already played his final match for Liverpool. Shortly after those remarks, the forward was omitted from the squad for a 1–0 win at Inter Milan, before later returning to action off the bench and providing an assist against Brighton.

Slot has since played down the public nature of the disagreement, declining to discuss the details of their conversations.

“What happens between Mo and me, on the phone or over here, stays between the two of us,” he said.

Decisions pending on match involvement

Liverpool have remained unbeaten in six matches since Salah left for international duty, winning three of those games. They host Burnley on Saturday before travelling to Marseille for a Champions League fixture next Wednesday.

Slot said discussions are ongoing over whether Salah will be involved in that European tie or held back until the Premier League match away to Bournemouth on 24 January.

“We are talking together about [the Marseille game] now,” Slot said. “We are in talks with him about what is expected of him over there, what is expected over here.”

Injury situation sharpens focus

Salah’s return comes at a useful time for Liverpool, who are short of attacking options. Record signing Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for several months after undergoing surgery on a fractured left leg.

Slot confirmed there are no additional injury concerns beyond long-term absentees Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, leaving squad management rather than fitness as the immediate challenge as Salah rejoins the group.

Sources: BBC Sport