Why we recalled Salah against Brighton – Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said it was an “easy decision” to include Mohamed Salah in the squad for the 2-0 win over Brighton, following the Egypt forward’s absence from recent matches.

Salah, 33, made his first appearance since expressing frustration over last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, saying he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.

“What’s been said between the two of us stays between us,” Slot told Sky Sports after the match. “He was back in the squad and we needed him.”

Salah came on in the 26th minute at Anfield, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez, and immediately made an impact. He set up Hugo Ekitike’s second goal with a well-placed corner and was constantly involved in the game, earning applause from fans.

Slot added, “He was a threat from the first ball he touched. He was constantly involved, which is pleasing but not surprising because he’s done that many times.”

Uncertainty over Salah’s future at Liverpool remains, as he is due to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday. Reports have linked him with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League, although Slot did not comment on any transfer plans.

“He goes to Egypt now for Afcon. That means another player down for us, but we knew this before the season,” Slot said.

Full-back Milos Kerkez praised Salah’s attitude, saying: “He came full of energy, helped us a lot, and everyone knows what Mo does for the club. We are happy to have him here.”