Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has played down the drama surrounding Mohamed Salah’s recall, insisting it was a straightforward decision to bring the Egyptian back into the squad following his match-winning return against Brighton. Salah was named on the bench after being left out of the travelling party for the midweek defeat to Inter Milan.
That omission came after a heated reaction from Salah at Elland Road, where he was an unused substitute in a 3-3 draw with Leeds, the third consecutive Premier League match in which he started on the bench.
However, after frank discussions between player and manager helped clear the air, the Liverpool talisman was included in the squad to face Brighton and was introduced earlier than anticipated.
Joe Gomez was forced off through injury after 26 minutes, with Salah taking his place. He received a rapturous reception from the Kop who serenaded the 33-year-old in a hero's welcome.
Salah played the rest of the game and provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike who scored both goals for Slot's side. And the Dutchman says he had no doubts over whether to recall Salah.
"I think he was a threat," Slot told Sky Sports. "The first ball he touched, he almost made an assist for Mac Allister. He was constantly involved in the fact we had Mo. Pleasing to see but not a surprise.
"It was an easy decision to put him in the squad. I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us. We needed him and he assisted to the 2-0 which is nice for us. We have been so many times this season on the wrong side of the set-piece battle.
"He goes to the AFCON and that means for us another player down. This is what we knew before the season started. Hopefully one or two players can come back from injury."
Ekitike also hailed his teammate, leaving fans in no doubt of the Liverpool dressing room's views on Salah after the last week. "Mohamed is a great, great professional," he told the BBC.
"I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists. He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That's the kind of player who makes us like to watch football."
Salah will now head to AFCON with Egypt. They play Nigeria in a friendly on Tuesday before beginning their campaign against Zimbabwe a week on Monday.
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