Liverpool manager Arne Slot has welcomed Mohamed Salah back into the squad ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille, boosting the Reds’ attacking options.

Salah could make his first start since 26 November, before last month’s explosive interview in which he criticized Slot. The Egyptian forward accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” after being benched for three consecutive games and claimed he had no relationship with the Dutch manager.

He returned as a substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton on 13 December, before joining Egypt for their run to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored four goals in six matches.

“Let’s see for the line-up tomorrow,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “I spoke to him today, and I’m happy to have him back. There was a moment earlier in the season where I decided not to play Mo, and another moment where I didn’t take him to a game. But for all the other matches, he’s been in the squad and was the first substitution against Brighton. For me, there’s never been an issue.”

Salah, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 421 appearances, has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League since joining from Roma in 2017. He signed a lucrative two-year contract last year and played a key role in Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

However, this season has been challenging for the Egyptian star, who has scored just five goals in all competitions, amid Liverpool’s struggles. Slot, meanwhile, faces growing pressure from fans frustrated by the team’s ponderous style of play.

Liverpool remain unbeaten in 12 matches, but have drawn four of their last five, either side of a 2-0 FA Cup win over third-tier Barnsley. The team’s need for firepower has intensified following the loss of Alexander Isak to a broken leg, making Salah’s return even more crucial.

“He went to AFCON and did what he usually does and scored goals,” Slot added. “In his absence, we’ve done well defensively and started creating more chances. It’s really helpful to have Mohamed Salah back.”

Liverpool currently sit 11th in their Champions League group. Only the top eight qualify automatically for the Round of 16, while teams placed ninth to 24th must navigate a play-off round.