Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah returned to action for the Merseyside club to a rousing reception, receiving loud applause and a standing ovation at Anfield during Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Egyptian was named on the bench and introduced in the 26th minute after Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury. His appearance was met with a warm response from the home crowd, despite a turbulent week marked by public criticism of the club and uncertainty surrounding his future.

Salah had been omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday following outspoken comments in which he accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” and suggested his relationship with manager Arne Slot had deteriorated.

The forward’s outburst came after last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United, the third consecutive match in which Slot had left the 33-year-old on the bench. Salah, who finished last season as the Premier League’s top scorer, hinted at the time that the Brighton fixture could be his final appearance for the club.

“I said to my family, come to the Brighton game,” Salah told reporters. “I don’t know if I am going to play or not, but I am going to enjoy it.

“In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and then go to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

British media reported that Slot and Salah held positive talks on Friday, with the Dutch coach stating he had “no reasons to not want him to stay” at the club.

Salah is set to depart on Monday to join Egypt’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.