Mohamed Salah was reinstated to the Liverpool squad for their match against Brighton after being previously dropped for criticizing the club and coach Arne Slot. The Egyptian forward, who came on as a substitute, delivered a crucial corner kick assist for Hugo Ekitike's header, sealing a 2-0 victory.

Mohamed Salah came off the bench in the 26th minute during Liverpool's 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom on 13/12/2025. Photo: AP

Following the match, Slot stated that any existing issues had been resolved. "For me, there are no problems that need to be dealt with", he confirmed. "Salah is now like any other player. You always talk to players whether they are happy or not, but after the Leeds match, there's nothing more to add".

Salah left the field to cheers from the Anfield stands and took time to thank the fans. However, coach Slot insisted this gesture was not a farewell. "It wasn't just Salah walking around the pitch thanking the supporters", Slot explained. "The players put in a lot of effort to keep a clean sheet, and the fans deserved thanks".

Salah had previously expressed frustration over being benched for three consecutive Premier League matches. Following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United last week, he publicly stated he was being treated unfairly and no longer had any relationship with Slot. He also indicated that the Brighton match might be an opportunity to bid farewell to Liverpool fans before joining the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) starting on 15/12. Salah further hinted that his family would be present at Anfield, suggesting this could be his final match after many years of dedication and brilliant success with the Reds.

When asked directly if this was Salah's last match for Liverpool, Slot avoided a direct confirmation. "Salah will participate in AFCON", he stated. "I hope he plays well. During that time, we will have to manage without several players".

Mohamed Salah thanks the fans after the match. Photo: AP

The Dutch coach also declined to disclose the details of his private conversation with Salah. "What we say to each other will remain private", he emphasized. "What people saw was that he was in the squad and was my first substitute. I never publicly discuss conversations with Salah, Van Dijk, or any player".

The 47-year-old coach also believes Liverpool is gradually improving, particularly defensively, having won and kept two consecutive clean sheets. "People say we are playing more solidly because we won 2-0", Slot noted, "but in reality, we have also kept three clean sheets in recent matches. The entire team is playing better, and that is the foundation to build upon after conceding many goals against PSV or Nottingham Forest".

Slot's team will have one week to rest before visiting Tottenham in the 17th round of the Premier League on 20/12.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)