Mohamed Salah made a notable return to Liverpool’s squad, helping secure a vital 2-0 victory over Brighton on March 15, 2024. The Egyptian forward, who had been absent from the previous match against Inter Milan due to internal club tensions, came off the bench to replace the injured Joe Gomez in the first half. During his time on the pitch, Salah assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, reinforcing his significant impact on the team.
Salah’s recent absence followed a candid interview where he expressed dissatisfaction with manager Arne Slot, claiming his relationship with the coaching staff had soured. He mentioned feeling “thrown under the bus” by the club after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds the previous week. His comments raised concerns about his future at Anfield, leading to speculation about a possible departure, especially after criticism from former player Jamie Carragher.
Despite these challenges, Salah received a warm reception from the home crowd at Anfield, who chanted his name as he left the pitch, being the last player to do so. His upbeat demeanor in the mixed zone contrasted sharply with the tension that had surrounded him earlier in the week. As he walked past reporters, Salah playfully declined to offer further comments, jokingly responding, “Two weeks in a row? No.”
In terms of statistics, Salah’s assist against Brighton brought his total to 277 league goals and assists for Liverpool. This achievement positions him ahead of Wayne Rooney as the player with the most goal contributions for a single club in Premier League history.
When asked about the discussions he had with Salah prior to the match, manager Arne Slot remained tight-lipped, stating, “What’s been said between the two of us, I’ve said many times, for me that stays between us,” during an interview with Sky Sports.
Looking ahead, Salah is set to join the Egypt national team for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which starts with the final scheduled for January 18, 2024. Should Egypt reach the final, Liverpool will be without their star player for over a month. Salah has experienced two prior AFCON finals, facing defeat in both, including a loss to Senegal in 2021, where his then-teammate Sadio Mane scored the decisive penalty.
As Salah prepares for this international tournament, his contributions at the club level remain crucial. The forward’s ability to navigate the pressures of club and country will be tested in the coming weeks, but his return to form against Brighton signals a positive step forward for both him and Liverpool.
