Slot reveals the only way Salah can rejoin Liverpool squad

Arne Slot has made it clear that there is only one path for Mohamed Salah to regain his place in the Liverpool first-team squad—and it begins with the Egyptian star owning up to his actions.

Liverpool’s manager addressed the ongoing tension surrounding Salah following his emotional outburst after the Reds’ 3–3 draw with Leeds. The incident reportedly frustrated Slot enough to exclude the forward from the squad that travelled to face Inter Milan, a decision that deepened speculation about Salah’s future at the club.

Speaking on the situation, Slot emphasized that while he is not shutting the door on Salah, the responsibility for reconciliation rests entirely with the player.

He stated that there is “always a way back” for a footballer, but that any progress hinges on Salah acknowledging his mistake. Slot deliberately avoided confirming whether the winger would be involved in Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against Brighton, adding another layer of uncertainty to the unfolding drama.

Complicating matters further, Salah himself has hinted that the Brighton match could serve as his farewell appearance, saying he hopes to “say goodbye to the fans” before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations. His comments have amplified concerns about a potential rift between the star forward and the club.

Reports suggest Slot has been consistent—both before and after Tuesday’s game—about the condition for Salah’s return: he must show remorse and offer an apology. In a conversation with Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime, Slot reiterated that the turning point depends on Salah’s willingness to reflect on the incident. “The question is whether he thinks he made a mistake,” Slot noted, stressing that the initiative must come from the player, not the coaching staff.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also weighed in on the controversy. According to Goal.com, the defender confirmed he intends to speak privately with Salah, though he maintained that any apology must come directly from the forward.

Van Dijk acknowledged that Salah has been visibly frustrated in recent days but insisted that the issue will be handled internally. With AFCON fast approaching, the captain highlighted the long-standing bond between them and reassured fans that their discussions would remain behind closed doors as the squad focuses on blocking out distractions.

The situation leaves Liverpool at a delicate crossroads. Salah’s relationship with the manager, the timing of AFCON, and the emotional weight of recent results have created a complex moment for one of the Premier League’s biggest stars. Whether he apologizes—and how soon he does—could determine the next chapter of his Liverpool story.