Arne Slot awaits Mohamed Salah's return to Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed Mohamed Salah will return to strengthen Liverpool next week after completing his duties with the Egyptian National Team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian striker has missed six matches with The Reds since leaving the club for the African international tournament.

"We are discussing with him about what is expected of him there and what is expected of him here. But most importantly, he must play the match on Saturday, and next week he will return to us," said Slot, quoted from Liverpool's official website on Friday, January 16, 2025.

Liverpool will host Burnley in the 22nd week of the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 22:00 WIB. 

This match will be the seventh game Salah has missed during his service at the 2025 Africa Cup.

On the same day, Salah still has one final match with the Egyptian National Team. He will feature in the third-place playoff against Nigeria on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 23:00 WIB at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca. His performances in this tournament continue to reflect his status as a main star, with four goals and one assist recorded.

Egypt's journey halted in the semifinal after losing 0-1 to Senegal. The decisive winning goal for Senegal was scored by Sadio Mané, Salah's former teammate at Liverpool. 

This defeat extends Egypt's wait—the most successful team in Africa Cup history with seven titles—to lift the trophy again, which they last won in 2010 in Angola.

Slot emphasized that Salah is a crucial player for Liverpool. Therefore, he is pleased the Egyptian striker will soon rejoin his squad. 

"Mo is very important for this club, also for me, so I'm happy he's back. Even if I had 15 strikers, I'd still be happy for him to return," he stressed.

After facing Burnley, The Reds will fly to France to challenge Marseille at Stade Vélodrome on Thursday, January 22 at 03:00 WIB in the Champions League continuation. 

However, whether Salah will immediately feature in that match remains uncertain.

“That's something we're discussing together now," concluded Slot.