Mohamed Salah is set for an immediate return to the Liverpool squad as the Reds travel to France to face Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League this Wednesday (Jan 21).
After representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the 33-year-old forward has been officially called up by head coach Arne Slot. With Liverpool looking to secure their spot in the knockout stages, Salah’s return comes at a pivotal moment.
Slot Praises Salah’s Impact
In his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot welcomed the Egyptian’s return, noting that while the team improved in creating chances during his absence, Salah provides the “clinical edge” needed to convert those opportunities into results.
“We started creating more opportunities lately,” Slot explained. “If you are creating more, it is extremely useful to have a player like him on the pitch to finish them.”
The manager also referenced Liverpool’s recent draw against Burnley, suggesting that Salah’s presence could have altered the outcome. “Considering the chances we had, we naturally would have scored more with him available,” he added.
Team News: Konaté Out, Squad Confirmed
While Salah returns, the Reds will be without key defender Ibrahima Konaté, who did not travel to Marseille due to personal family reasons.
Liverpool’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson (or Kerkez); Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo (or Ekitiké).
Official Traveling Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman.
Defenders: Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Robertson, Frimpong.
Midfielders: Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Gravenberch, Nyoni.
Forwards: Wirtz, Salah, Chiesa, Gakpo, Ekitiké, Ngumoha.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
