Arne Slot, Liverpool’s coach, says the team needed Mohammed Salah, hence his return to the team against Brighton on Saturday.
Salah had sparked speculations about his future with the club after he was relegated to bench roles by the manager. The forward played a vital role in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, providing an assist for Ekitike.
He came from the bench to replace Joe Gomez who got a knock and delivered an assist, to the delight of the manager who insists the Egyptian is still needed at the club.
“What’s been said between the two of us, I’ve said many times, for me that stays between us. He was back in the squad and we needed him,” he said.
“He was a threat, the first ball he touched he almost gave an assist to Mac Allister. He was constantly involved, pleasing but also not a surprise because he’s done that many times.
“He goes to Egypt now to Afcon, that means for us another player down and we already didn’t have a lot,” he added.
“But we knew before the season he would go and maybe one or two players can come back from injury,” Slot concluded.
Salah’s new bench role has been an issue for debate at the club. His assist on Saturday set a new Premier League goal involvement record for a single club (277th), the most by any player. He is closely followed in list by Wayne Rooney (276) and Harry Kane (259).
