Mohamed Salah sends clear message to Liverpool following AFCON return

 Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool after AFCON, carrying a message for Arne Slot.

While Liverpool have stayed unbeaten during Salah’s time away at AFCON, his absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Results show that the squad has lacked the kind of finishing touch that he brings to their front line.

Salah was facing criticism before leaving for Morocco, and some of it came from Jamie Carragher. Even so, the former Reds defender believes that Salah can still be a difference-maker for Slot’s side.

Mohamed Salah tells Arne Slot he’s ready to play after return from AFCON

His last appearance in the competition was a loss to Nigeria in the third-place play-off, just before what turned out to be a chaotic final.

Now, just four days later, he’s back with Liverpool and set to be part of the squad travelling to Marseille.

As reported by James Pearce in The Athletic: “Salah had made it clear he didn’t need a break after five weeks on international duty in Morocco ended with defeat to Nigeria on penalties in last Saturday’s third-place play-off, and that was music to Slot’s ears.”

Salah has returned ahead of schedule and is expected to be included in Arne Slot’s squad for the upcoming fixture. That kind of commitment will no doubt be appreciated by his manager, who is under pressure following recent results.

Salah’s immediate return: What Arne Slot had to say

With tonight’s Champions League fixture against Marseille on the horizon, Slot was naturally asked about Salah’s return and where things currently stand.

The Dutchman’s answer suggested that any previous friction between them might be easing.

Slot responded (via Liverpool FC): “I’m really happy and pleased that he’s back. In his absence, we’ve done really okay in hardly conceding a chance, and we’ve started to create more, and now we’re creating more chances, it’s really helpful to have a player like Mo Salah.

“There’s only been one player who has scored more, but I can’t play Ian Rush. We will never know, but the number of chances and ball possession against Burnley, with Mo on the pitch, would usually mean we would score more.”

Salah is looking to carry his strong AFCON form straight back into club football. Liverpool fans will be hoping he features tonight as they aim to close out their final two league phase matches on a high note.