Salah rejoins Liverpool as key Reds star skips training before Marseille clash

 

 

Mohamed Salah is expected to be part of Liverpool’s squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Marseille, although one of his teammates may miss out.

The 33-year-old has rejoined the Reds after being away for the past seven matches due to his Africa Cup of Nations duties, where he netted four goals as Egypt finished fourth. While his inclusion is a major boost, it’s unclear whether he’ll return straight to the starting XI, having not begun a game under Arne Slot for almost two months following his explosive interview after December’s 3-3 draw at Leeds.

Liverpool trained at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday before flying to France, with James Pearce sharing footage on X showing Salah taking part. However, Ibrahima Konate was absent, with Pearce explaining that the defender is “back in France for family reasons” and that it “remains to be seen whether he links up with the squad in Marseille.”

With Jamie Carragher and others highlighting Liverpool’s recent lack of cutting edge, Salah’s return could be perfectly timed as the Reds aim to edge closer to a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase and secure direct qualification for the round of 16.

Although Salah has been quieter by his own lofty standards this season—scoring just five times in his last 20 club appearances—his four-goal AFCON campaign suggests he’s back in form.

While his return is a major positive, Konate’s potential absence could leave Slot with only two senior centre-backs for the trip to the Stade Vélodrome. That said, the Frenchman’s wellbeing comes first, and whatever the family matter may be, the club and supporters will hope all is well.

Liverpool are set to officially confirm the full travelling squad later this afternoon.