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Liverpool has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will be involved in the squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, after head coach Arne Slot dropped him for the Champions League.
It's been six days since Salah gave an explosive mixed zone interview, where he alleged that Liverpool threw him "under the bus" by leaving him on the bench during a tough run. Salah also said that his relationship with Slot was non-existent, and he was left in Liverpool when the team flew to Italy to face Inter Milan.
Salah is also set to join the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, and during his interview, he suggested that Saturday's game could be his last for the club. However, Liverpool has no plans to sell the winger, and the reason for his inclusion against Brighton has been explained.
According to The Athletic, Slot believed it was in the team's best interests to involve Salah and not prolong his hiatus. While the situation remains tense, Liverpool plans to operate professionally on Saturday and discuss the matter further with Salah and his team during the AFCON.
Salah's damning interview has led to uncertainty over his future, with representatives in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer keeping a close eye on the situation. Salah hinted that he may not play for Liverpool again once he leaves for AFCON.
"I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup," he said. When asked if it could be his final appearance, he added: "In football you never know. I don’t accept this situation. I have done so much for this club."
Salah's frustration stemmed from being benched in three straight games, an unprecedented situation at Liverpool. He lashed out after Slot left him on the bench during a 3-3 draw away to Leeds United.
Liverpool then flew to Milan without Salah, and Dominik Szoboszlai became the hero as his 88th-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory. Salah trained alone in Liverpool, but although the situation has yet to be fully resolved, it will be acknowledged over the coming weeks.
More to follow...
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