Mohamed Salah’s Return to Liverpool: Reintegration Amid Past Tensions, Not a Bench Drama
Mohamed Salah has rejoined Liverpool following his participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, where the Pharaohs finished fourth after a penalty shootout loss to Nigeria in the third-place playoff. The 33-year-old forward, who scored four goals and provided one assist in six appearances during the tournament in Morocco, returned to club training on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and was immediately included in the 20-man traveling squad for Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League match against Marseille on January 21.
Contrary to sensational claims suggesting Salah is “set to be benched” upon his return, recent reports and statements from manager Arne Slot indicate a positive reintegration. Slot welcomed the Egyptian star back warmly, describing himself as “happy to have him back” and hinting strongly at a potential starting role against Marseille. In his pre-match press conference, Slot addressed any lingering concerns from earlier tensions, noting constructive discussions and downplaying past issues as part of routine squad management decisions.
The speculation appears to recycle drama from late 2025, when Salah endured a difficult period under Slot. He was benched for three consecutive Premier League matches due to concerns over his attacking output and defensive contributions, and was notably omitted from the squad for a Champions League trip to Inter Milan. Salah publicly expressed frustration, accusing the club of “throwing him under the bus” and claiming his relationship with Slot had broken down, even leaving open the possibility of a winter transfer. However, those issues were resolved through talks, leading to his recall for the final Premier League game before AFCON—a home win over Brighton, where he came off the bench to provide an assist.
Since then, Liverpool have remained competitive without Salah, maintaining an unbeaten run while focusing on defensive solidity and creating more chances, though they’ve struggled with clinical finishing amid injuries to key attackers like Alexander Isak. Slot has emphasized Salah’s value, highlighting his goal-scoring form at AFCON and how his return bolsters the team’s attacking options at a critical stage of the season, particularly as they push for a top-eight finish in the Champions League to secure automatic last-16 qualification.
While some fan discussions and social media posts speculate about minutes management or question Salah’s form post-tournament, no credible reports confirm any decision to bench him as a default or punitive measure. Instead, the narrative centers on easing him back into the fold—potentially starting against Marseille or featuring significantly—given his readiness to play immediately and Liverpool’s need for his experience and goal threat.
As Liverpool face Marseille in what could be a pivotal European fixture, Salah’s return is viewed as a timely boost rather than a point of contention. The Egyptian King, one of the club’s all-time leading scorers, appears poised to contribute once more under Slot’s guidance. For the latest on team selections and performance, official club channels and match updates remain the best sources.
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