Could Mohamed Salah’s bitter stand-off with Liverpool be resolved before Saturday’s game against Brighton?

Mohamed Salah is currently out in the cold at Liverpool following his sensational icy blast at the club and manager Arne Slot last weekend.

But with the Reds way off the pace in the Premier League, might the ‘Egyptian King’ swallow his pride, apologise to Slot and return to action in Saturday’s home clash with Brighton?

DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall analyses the factors surrounding the 33-year-old current absence and potential comeback.

Salah's sulk 

After last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United, Salah spoke to journalists in what appeared to be a deliberate, premeditated attack on his club and manager.

Having been a substitute for the third game running, Salah claimed he had been “thrown under a bus”, his relationship with Slot has completely broken down and that he deserved to be treated better.

Salah even suggested this weekend’s home game with Brighton could be his last as a Liverpool player.

The interview has been likened to the one Cristiano Ronaldo gave to Piers Morgan in November 2022 when he said he had “no respect” for his then Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag.

The following month, it was announced that Ronaldo was leaving Old Trafford as a free agent and joined Saudi club Al-Nassr.

The fall-out

Salah’s interview attracted plenty of criticism from ex-players and pundits but many Liverpool supporters remain behind the iconic frontman.

Not that Salah’s legendary status on the Kop will guarantee him a return to the side any time soon, of course.

He did not travel to Milan for the 1-0 Champions League win over Inter on Tuesday night after Liverpool removed him from selection for a short period.

The 33-year-old is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations and – depending on how far Egypt progress in the tournament –  he may not be available to Liverpool again for a number of weeks.

Despite being banished from Liverpool’s squad, Salah remains one of their most prized assets, having only signed a lucrative two-year contract extension in the summer.

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Could – and should –  the situation be resolved as a matter of urgency?

Domestically, Liverpool are 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal after just two wins in their last 10 Premier League games.

Their title defence is all but over but, having spent over £400million during the summer, Champions League qualification is the bare minimum if Slot is to keep his job.

Ideally, he needs Salah in the team and back scoring with the kind of regularity which led them to their 20th league title in Slot’s debut season in charge last term.

Alexander Isak is struggling badly following his £125million move from Newcastle United and playing alongside summer recruit Hugo Ekitike has not worked.

But there is no doubt that something has to give if Salah is to return to the Reds’ squad for Saturday’s visit of the Seagulls.

He would almost certainly need to make a public apology or conciliatory statement before being considered for selection again.

Could that happen in time for this weekend’s game? You would have your doubts.

Salah said in his interview last weekend that he planned to bring his family to Anfield for the Brighton match, suggesting it could potentially be a farewell appearance, whether he plays or not.

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What is the likely outcome?

The apparent breakdown in his relationship with Slot suggests it may be difficult for Salah to play for Liverpool again.

Nevertheless, the situation could yet be resolved if the striker swallows his pride and offers his manager an olive branch.

It seems inconceivable that Salah will be allowed back into the fold without a public expression of remorse.

Diplomatically, Slot and Salah may simply allow the dust to settle during the Egyptian’s time away at the Africa Cup of Nations and try and rebuild their relationship in January.

Or, as seems more likely perhaps, Liverpool could look to find a suitable buyer when the transfer window opens.

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What are his options?

Given Salah’s astronomical wages, very few clubs would be willing or able to take on his financial demands in January.

But a number of teams in the Saudi Pro League certainly would.

Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabi before and teams in the SPL could look to prise him away from Anfield next month.

It may all depend on the strength of Salah’s desire to stay at Liverpool, who would certainly look for a sizeable fee if they decide to sell.

Salah was the subject of a rejected £150million bid from reigning SPL champions Al-Ittihad in September 2023.

Al-Hilal could be another option as their star names include Salah's ex-Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez and they are managed by former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.

Salah is the most famous Arab footballer on the planet and it has long been speculated that he would end up playing in Saudi.

Perhaps that is now about to happen, albeit not in the circumstances anyone could have predicted.

 

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