7 hours ago
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Arne Slot insists it was an 'easy decision' to recall Mohamed Salah to his Liverpool squad as the Egyptian made his return to action in the 2-0 win over Brighton.
Salah was left out for the trip to Milan in midweek and Slot confirmed he would speak to Salah on Friday before making a final call on his selection. The Egyptian was named among the substitutes but came onto the pitch before half time after an injury to Joe Gomez.
Liverpool fans cheered Salah loudly when he entered the fray and while he couldn't get on the scoresheet, he did provide the assist for Hugo Ekitike's second goal of the game.
Salah will now head off for the Africa Cup of Nations and it remains unclear if he will still be at Liverpool at the end of the January transfer window, with Saudi Pro League clubs still keen on his services.
But Slot was impressed with his performance after a difficult week for all connected with the club. He told Sky Sports: "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.
"I think he was a threat. 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.
"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."
Slot also reserved praise for two-goal hero Ekitike, who continued his impressive form since his big-money summer arrival at Anfield.
He added: "I think he was in moments impressive today. The goals he scored were good goals and there were other moments I thought 'wow'.
"That is of course why we wanted him, apart from the goals. It is good to see he and others who came in the summer are making progress.
"They are getting stronger and stronger and fitter and fitter. I can see them getting stronger in the duels they play. Hugo is an example of that, but others are examples of that too.
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