Mohamed Salah soaked up the atmosphere after Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton, staying on the pitch to applaud the Anfield crowd and wave towards the stand where his family were sitting. It felt like a possible goodbye, but only temporarily.
Salah is set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, and is expected to return to Liverpool next month. Despite his recent public criticism of the club and manager Arne Slot after the Leeds game, Slot made it clear there is no ongoing issue and that Salah is being treated like any other player.
After being left out against Inter Milan, Salah came off the bench against Brighton, was warmly received by fans, and set up Hugo Ekitike’s goal. He didn’t score, but his performance reminded many of the player Liverpool fans know well.
Talks between Salah and the club are expected to continue while he’s away, but no final decision has been made about his future. For now, Salah leaves Anfield with questions still hanging, while Liverpool move forward knowing they can cope without him – even if having him back at his best would be a huge boost.
