Slot excited for Salah return after AFCON duties
The Egyptian will be back available after the clash with Burnley on Saturday
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says he is happy that Mohamed Salah is returning to the club after exiting the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
The Pharaohs were eliminated in the semi-finals by Senegal, with Salah’s former team-mate Sadio Mane netting the only goal of the game.
The Egyptian king will return disappointed, but motivated to make his way straight back into the team for the Reds ahead of a crucial stretch of the Premier League season.
Slot says Salah will not feature against Burnley, but will be available for the following game next week.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “Next week [Salah will return], we are in talks with him and what is expected of him over there and over here. He has an important game on Saturday and then he will be back with us.
“First of all, he plays a big game for Egypt on Saturday and then he comes back to us.
“I am happy he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club and me, so I am happy he is back. Even if I had 15 attackers, I would be happy to see Mo back but that is not our situation.
“Happy to have him back after an important game tomorrow.”
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the standings, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
But a home clash with Burnley on Saturday gives them a good opportunity to continue their strong run after drawing at the Emirates last time out.
Slot added: “It’s a challenge because we are playing in the Premier League and we have not put ourselves in the most ideal position, especially if you compare where we were after six games.
“But we compete with these teams now for fourth position. Aston Villa are having such a great season. So still a lot to play for in the league, because we know how important it is for any club, especially this club, to qualify for Champions League.
“It didn’t happen a few years ago and that had a big financial impact on this club. We are aware of the importunate of Champions League qualification but we are also aware of the fact that this league is stronger than ever.
“That is what we have to do really well in the league and we also have the FA Cup and the Champions League to fight for.”