Mo Salah has been returned to the matchday squad by Arne Slot ahead of what might be his final appearance for Liverpool against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Egyptian winger was dropped from the team entirely for Tuesday’s win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League following his explosive comments at the weekend.
After being an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United, the 33-year-old told reporters he was “very, very disappointed” to have been benched for a third consecutive game, complained that he had been made a scapegoat for the team’s problems, claimed that someone at the club no longer wanted him there, and said his relations with the manager was non-existent.
Slot held crunch talks with Salah on Friday, which has resulted in him returning to the subs bench before he joins up with the Egypt national team for AFCON next week.
Speculation is rife that the former Chelsea player could leave the club in the January transfer window, with Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly interested in signing him. If that were to happen, then today’s encounter with Brighton would be his last appearance for Liverpool, were he to come off the bench.
Dominik Szoboszlai will play on the right wing for the Reds while Alexander Isak has been named on the bench, with Hugo Ekitike starting up front instead.
Salah returns for potential final Liverpool appearance
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Ekitike.
Subs: Freddie Woodman, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Andy Robertson, Calvin Ramsey, Wellity Lucky, Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Mo Salah, Rio Ngumoha.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Gomez; Hinshelwood, Gruda, Minteh; Rutter.
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