Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot has commented on Mohamed Salah’s return as the Liverpool superstar prepares to fly back to Merseyside following Egypt’s semi-final elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. The 32-year-old endured a frustrating evening in Tangier on Wednesday as Egypt crashed out of the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Senegal, courtesy of a late strike from former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane in the 78th minute.
It was a bitterly disappointing conclusion to Egypt’s tournament hopes, with the Pharaohs now facing Nigeria in Saturday’s third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. The match kicks off at 5pm local time. With Egypt’s tournament ambitions now reduced to a consolation playoff, attention will quickly shift back to club matters – and the future of Liverpool’s most prolific attacker.
While Arne Slot has maintained that the December flare-up between Salah and the club has come and gone, it remains to be seen how the 33-year-old is reintegrated back into the squad.
Now speaking in his pre-Burnley press conference, the Dutch manager has provided an update on when he expects Mohamed Salah to return to Merseyside:
“First of all, he plays a big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back, I am happy he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club and me, so I am happy he is back and even if I had 15 attackers, I would be happy to see Mo back but that is not our situation. Happy to have him back after an important game tomorrow.”
“Next week [he’ll return], we are in talks with him. Champions League [vs Marseille?] We are talking together about it now.”
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.