Arne Slot says any discussions with Mohamed Salah will remain confidential as the forward prepares to rejoin Liverpool after international duty. Salah is expected back at the club next week, with next Wednesday’s
Champions League meeting with Marseille already marked as the likely match for a full return to action.
Liverpool’s league campaign sits at a critical point as Salah heads back. The Reds are unbeaten in nine Premier League games but have drawn the last three. They are 14 points behind leaders Arsenal and trail third-place Aston Villa by eight points, leaving Champions League qualification under real pressure.
Slot stressed that any direct conversations with Salah will not be shared publicly. When asked about the forward’s comeback plans, Slot told reporters: "What happens with Mo and me on our phone or over here stays with us two. I don’t share it is necessary for me to share the details of the private conversations I have either on phone or here with any of my players. "
Slot added further detail on coordination with the Egypt captain. "Next week [Salah will return], we are in talks with him and what is expected of him over there and over here. He has an important game on Saturday and then he will be back with us. " Egypt face Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off on Saturday.
Salah’s bid to guide Egypt to Africa Cup of Nations success ended on Wednesday. The Pharaohs lost 1-0 to Senegal, with former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scoring the winning goal. Data from Opta showed Salah had little influence in attack across the match, especially inside the opposition penalty area.
0 - Mohamed Salah tonight failed to have a touch in the opponent's penalty area for the first time in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations match he played more than 45 minutes in. Absent. #TotalEnergiesAFCON25 pic.twitter.com/feqYV0xoWHOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2026
The forward’s relationship with Slot drew attention before the tournament. Salah had said he no longer had a relationship with Slot and felt the club had "thrown him under the bus", even questioning whether Liverpool remained the right place. Salah later missed a Champions League tie against Inter before returning to assist in a 2-0 win over Brighton.
Mohamed Salah Liverpool targets in Champions League and domestic cups
Slot underlined the scale of Liverpool’s challenge across competitions as Salah returns. "It’s a challenge because we are playing in the Premier League and we have not put ourselves in the most ideal position, especially if you compare where we were after six games," Slot said when asked about Liverpool’s aims for the season. "But we compete with these teams now for fourth position. Aston Villa are having such a great season. So still a lot to play for in the league, because we know how important it is for any club, especially this club, to qualify for the Champions League. "
Slot linked those ambitions to recent history and the wider schedule. "It didn’t happen a few years ago and that had a big financial impact on this club. We are aware of the importance of Champions League qualification but we are also aware of the fact that this league is stronger than ever. That is what we have to do really well in the league and we also have the FA Cup and the Champions League to fight for. " Liverpool host Burnley on Saturday before turning attention to Marseille.
