Liverpool FC welcomed back Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah to first-team training on Tuesday, marking his return following Egypt’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old forward participated in full training sessions at the club’s facility, appearing in high spirits as preparations intensified for the upcoming Champions League encounter against Marseille.
The return of Liverpool’s legendary goalscorer comes after a period of public tension between player and club. In early December, Salah expressed frustration in a controversial interview, claiming the club had thrown him “under the bus” after being relegated to the bench for three consecutive matches and acknowledging a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot.
Despite the previous friction, Salah made a constructive appearance as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory against Brighton on December 13, providing a crucial assist. Manager Slot subsequently indicated the club had moved past the controversy, expressing enthusiasm about Salah’s return from international duty.
Slot previously remarked, “Even if I had 15 attackers I still would have been happy if he would have come back,” highlighting the Egyptian’s importance to the squad. The Dutch manager remained discreet about his communications with Salah but confirmed his inclusion in the 20-man squad for the crucial Champions League fixture.
Salah’s return occurs during a challenging season for both player and club. The Egyptian icon, who stands as Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals across 421 appearances, has managed just five goals in all competitions this season. Liverpool’s Premier League title defense faltered significantly with six defeats in seven matches beginning in late September, though the team has recently shown resilience with a 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
The club currently sits ninth in the Champions League league phase, where the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16, while positions nine through 24 must navigate a playoff round. Salah, who signed a lucrative two-year contract extension last year after helping Liverpool secure their record-equaling 20th English top-flight title, remains pivotal to the club’s aspirations for domestic and European success.