The Japan Times - Slot happy to have Salah back for misfiring Liverpool

Salah could make his first start for the Reds since November 26, prior to an explosive interview last month which took aim at Slot.

The Egyptian accused the club of throwing him "under the bus" after he was benched for three games in a row and said he had no relationship with Dutchman.

But he appeared as a substitute in a 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton on December 13 before jetting off for Egypt's run to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"Let's see for the line-up tomorrow if you still think there's an issue. I spoke to him today and I'm happy to have him back," Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"There's been a moment in the season where I decided not to play Mo and one moment where I decided not to take him to the game.

"For all the other games he's been in the squad and was the first substitution against Brighton so at that moment of time, there's never been an issue for me."

Salah is Liverpool's third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 421 appearances, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining from Roma in 2017.

He signed a lucrative new two-year contract last year as he played a starring role in guiding Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

But he has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool's struggles this season, managing just five goals in all competitions.

Slot, though, is desperately in need of firepower with fans critical of his ponderous style of play.

Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 games, but have drawn four of their last five matches either side of victory over third-tier Barnsley in the FA Cup.

The loss of Alexander Isak to a broken leg has increased the English champions' need to rediscover Salah's best form, which he showed glimpses of in scoring four times in six games at the AFCON.

"He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals," added Slot.

"In his absence I think we have done quite ok in terms of hardly conceding any chances and starting to create more and more...then it is really helpful to have Mohamed Salah."

Liverpool are 11th in the league phase of the Champions League.

The top eight qualify automatically for the last 16 while teams placed from ninth to 24th face a play-off round.

S.Ogawa--JT