Mohamed Salah Starts on Liverpool Substitute Bench for Brighton Fixture
Mohamed Salah finds himself listed among the substitutes for Liverpool's encounter with Brighton at Anfield this Saturday, following discussions with head coach Arne Slot.
The manager from the Netherlands maintained that he holds the ultimate authority on reintegrating the Egyptian star, who missed the midweek Champions League journey to Italy due to contentious remarks directed at the club.
Friday's media updates indicated that Slot's choice prioritises the squad's overall welfare.
Salah criticised Liverpool for abandoning him in a difficult position after sitting unused during the previous week's 3-3 stalemate at Leeds, marking the third consecutive game without a starting role.
In his post-match chat with journalists at Elland Road, he further claimed a complete lack of connection with Slot.
Tuesday saw Liverpool secure a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan, as the 33-year-old forward shared an image on social platforms showing him working out solo in the team's training facility gym.
During Thursday's press briefing ahead of the game, Slot mentioned plans to converse with the attacker later that Friday morning.
"I see no cause for him to depart," he remarked.
Having penned a fresh two-year deal with Liverpool back in April, Salah prepares to link up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations immediately following the Brighton clash.
How long he remains away hinges on Egypt's progress in the Moroccan tournament, culminating in the final on 18 January.
Ranking third on Liverpool's historical goal scorers list with 250 strikes across 420 outings, Salah has claimed two Premier League crowns and a Champions League trophy over his time at the club on Merseyside.
Last term, he netted 29 Premier League strikes to propel Liverpool to their 20th domestic championship, yet this campaign yields only four goals from 13 league outings.
Liverpool sit in 10th place amid a dismal streak, claiming victory in just two of their last 10 top-flight matches.
Rumours persist of Salah attracting interest from the high-paying Saudi Pro League.