Arne Slot said it was “an easy decision” to include Mohamed Salah in the matchday squad amid growing speculation the Egyptian, who produced an impressive performance after coming on as an early substitute against Brighton, could soon leave Liverpool.
Salah, who was left out of the squad for the midweek trip to Inter Milan after his outburst at Leeds last weekend, was introduced after 27 minutes at Anfield against the Seagulls, replacing the injured Joe Gomez, and it was his corner which led to Hugo Ekitike’s second goal in a 2-0 win.
Ekitiké had already opened the scoring after just 46 seconds – the fastest goal in the Premier League this season – before doubling the hosts’ advantage thanks to Salah’s effort on the hour mark.
Salah appeared emotional as he applauded the Kop after the final whistle, with several media outlets suggesting the 33-year-old, who will soon represent his country at the AFCON, could have bid farewell to the Reds fans.
When asked about Salah’s inclusion and performance, Slot admitted the decision was a no-brainer.
“I think he [Salah] was a threat,” the Liverpool boss said.
“The first ball he touched, he almost made an assist for [Alexis] Mac Allister. He was constantly involved in the fact that we had Mo. Nice to see but not a surprise.
“It was an easy decision to put him in the team. I’ve said it many times before, what was said between us will stay between us. We needed him and he contributed to the 2-0, which is good for us. We have been on the wrong side of the set-piece battle so many times this season.
“He’s going to the AFCON and that means another player less for us. That’s what we knew before the season started. Hopefully one or two players can come back from injury.”
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday before hosting bottom club Wolves on December 27.
