Slot expecting goals with Salah returning to Liverpool squad

Arne Slot is delighted to have Mohamed Salah back in his squad following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, and expects Liverpool to score more goals now he has returned.

Salah left for the AFCON on uncertain terms after a bombshell interview called his future into doubt, but in his last appearance for the Reds – a 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton – he got an assist.

Since then, Liverpool have gone unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions, but have drawn their last four in the league, including against Burnley on Saturday, despite them having 32 shots in that game.

Salah, who finished last season with a whopping 47 goal involvements (29 goals, 18 assists) in the Premier League in 2024-25, has scored just five times in all competitions this term.

But Slot believes having the Egyptian back in his forward line will breathe life back into his attack, with Salah back in the squad for the Champions League trip to Marseille.

"I am really happy and pleased he is back," Slot said of Salah. "We have started to create more and more, and that is helpful if you have Mo Salah.

"There is only one player who scored more for this club, and I don't think I can play Ian Rush still. The amount of chances against Burnley with Mo, we would have scored more.

"Creating chances is nice, but we are only judged on the result."

Liverpool have won their last three Champions League games against Marseille, most recently in the 2008-09 group stage.

Though the Reds currently sit just outside the automatic qualifications, and Roberto De Zerbi's team would leapfrog them in the table with a win, which would potentially seal Liverpool’s play-off fate.

And Slot was full of praise for his opposition, as he expects a tough test from Marseille.

"I regard him as one of the best managers in the world," Slot said of the Italian.

"That should not always be judged on trophies, but also how your team plays. He is working at a very big club.

"I am not the one hiring him, but if I was one, he would be very high on my list."