Liverpool Boss Slot Set for Talks With Mohamed Salah Over Brighton Availability

Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed he would hold talks with Mohamed Salah on Friday morning before making a final decision on the forward’s availability for the weekend Premier League clash against Brighton at Anfield. The situation has drawn major attention following a tense week that exposed visible friction between the club’s most recognisable player and its new manager.

Salah publicly expressed frustration after being left on the bench during last weekend’s 3-3 draw away to Leeds, marking the third consecutive match he did not start. Speaking to reporters at Elland Road, the Egypt international accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” and revealed that he currently has no relationship with the Dutch coach. His comments added fuel to an already sensitive situation surrounding his role in the team.

The tension deepened days later when Salah was left out of the squad entirely for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win away at Inter Milan. Shortly after the final whistle, he posted a photo on social media showing himself training alone in the gym at the club’s training ground. The image quickly spread online and was widely interpreted as a sign of growing dissatisfaction.

Slot addressed the issue during his pre-match press conference, making it clear that direct communication with the player would come first. “I will have a conversation with Mo this morning – the outcome of that conversation determines how things will look tomorrow,” he said. He then shut down further public discussion, adding, “I think the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here. You can keep on trying but there is not much more to say about it.”

Why is Mohamed Salah unhappy at Liverpool right now?

The disagreement appears rooted in reduced playing time and a shift in squad dynamics under Slot. Salah was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on December 3, a decision that triggered discussions between both camps. Slot acknowledged this by saying, “After the Sunderland game (a 1-1 draw on December 3 in which Salah came on as a second-half substitute) there were a lot of conversations between his representatives and ours, between him and me.”

Despite the unrest, Slot was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the club wants to move on from the forward. “I have no reasons not wanting him to stay, and that is a little bit of an answer to your question,” he said, while declining to go deeper into contract or future-related matters.

Salah signed a new two-year deal in April, making him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. His long-term value to Liverpool is beyond question. He sits third on the club’s all-time scoring chart with 250 goals in 420 appearances and has played a central role in winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Last season, he scored 29 league goals as Liverpool stormed to a record-equalling 20th English title.

What comes next with AFCON and transfer speculation?

Salah is expected to join Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations squad after Saturday’s match against Brighton. The length of his absence will depend on how far Egypt progress in the tournament in Morocco, with the final scheduled for January 18. His departure comes at a difficult time for Liverpool, who are currently 10th in the table after winning just two of their last 10 Premier League games.

This season, Salah has managed only four league goals in 13 appearances, a sharp contrast to his usual output. With Liverpool struggling for consistency and creativity, his form and mood have become central talking points. At the same time, links to the Saudi Pro League continue to circulate, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future.

Slot’s conversation with Salah is now seen as a defining moment. The outcome will shape not only the Brighton matchday squad but also Liverpool’s direction during a challenging period of transition.

By Yockshard Enyendi