Mohamed Salah Joins Liverpool Squad for Brighton Clash Ahead of AFCON

Mohamed Salah has been included in Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming Premier League match against Brighton, scheduled for December 9, 2023. This decision follows discussions between Salah and head coach Arne Slot, marking a critical moment for both the player and the club. The match will be Salah’s final appearance for Liverpool this year, as he prepares to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, where he will represent Egypt.

Salah’s situation has been contentious in recent weeks. He has not started any of Liverpool’s last four matches and was an unused substitute in the recent game against Leeds United. After that match, Salah publicly expressed his frustration, stating he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and suggesting that his relationship with Slot was strained. This led to his omission from the traveling squad that secured a 1-0 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League on December 5, 2023.

During a media briefing, Slot confirmed that he had intended to speak with Salah on the morning of December 8. He stated, “What I need is a conversation with him, and the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here.” The outcome of this conversation was expected to influence Salah’s participation in the match against Brighton.

Slot emphasized his authority in player selection, noting, “To play a player is entirely up to me.” When asked about his desire for Salah to remain at Liverpool, he responded, “I have no reasons not to want him to stay. This club has won a lot of games with him.”

Liverpool, currently looking to improve their form after two consecutive league draws, aims to capitalize on Salah’s experience and scoring ability. Over his time with the club, Salah has scored an impressive 250 goals in 420 appearances. His last appearance on the pitch was in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on December 3, 2023, where he also came off the bench. His last start was on November 26, 2023, during a defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

As Salah prepares for the AFCON tournament, which begins on December 11, 2023, he may miss multiple matches for Liverpool. If Egypt progresses deep into the competition, Salah could be absent until after the tournament final on January 18, 2024. This potential absence could see him miss up to eight matches, depending on the team’s success in Morocco.

In the current 2025-26 season, Salah has contributed five goals in 18 appearances across all competitions. Liverpool supporters will be eager to see if this match against Brighton marks a resurgence for the talented forward or if it is indeed a farewell before he embarks on his international duties.