Liverpool star Mo Salah has had a rough start since joining up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations while Arne Slot has been told to address his forward line
Liverpool are back in action against Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday as they bid to keep their recent run of form going. Arne Slot has battled back after a dreadful spell that left the Dutchman facing questions over his job while an explosive fallout with Mo Salah has also plagued the Liverpool boss.
A 3-3 draw away to Leeds was followed by a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League before a 2-0 victory over Brighton last weekend at Anfield. After 16 games played, the reigning champions are currently in seventh place with 26 points.
Slot’s Salah situation also looking to be resolved for now after Slot and the player held talks. Liverpool are now just two points off the top four, with Chelsea occupying the coveted spot.
Today’s news sees Salah suffer a new blow while away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations while the Reds have been urged to bring back an option for his front line, should Salah leave in January or the summer. Mirror Footballtakes a look at the latest news coming out of Anfield.
Salah hit with fresh blow
Egypt may have beaten Nigeria 2-1 in their only warm-up friendly before the Africa Cup of Nations but they had to do so without star player Salah.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher makes big Enzo Maresca prediction amid fallout from Chelsea digREAD MORE: Mo Salah ‘didn’t have a choice’ after Liverpool star’s perfect parting message
The 33-year-old linked up with his international team-mates ahead of the 2025/26 edition of AFCON in Morocco, where he’ll captain the Pharaohs. Yet the Liverpool hero was left out of their matchday squad on Tuesday by manager Hossam Hassan, despite Salah failing to start any of Liverpool’s last five games.
Salah returned to the Reds’ squad at the weekend and played most of their 2-0 win, where he bagged an assist, despite being named on the bench once again.
Mahmoud Saber and Mostafa Mohamed scored the goals for the hosts in Cairo, ensuring that they won their only warm-up friendly before starting their AFCON campaign next Monday. Egypt were drawn in a group alongside Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola.
Slot urged to bring back Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott left Liverpool to join Villa on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day, but the move has turned into a disaster for the midfielder. The Liverpool loanee has not featured since making a brief substitute appearance against Feyenoord in the Europa League on October 2
Villa would have to stump up £35 million to sign the England star if he reaches 10 Premier League appearances, but Emery opened the door for his exit, saying: “He is on loan playing with us, but he is not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract.”
Former Liverpool and Everton star Don Hutchinson has now urged Slot to bring the two-time Premier League winner back in from the cold. Elliott can play as a winger or attacking midfielder and could make a play to replace Salah, should the winger choose to pursue a move away from Anfield in the near future or struggle to get back in the starting XI.
“If you’re Liverpool, you’re probably best off bringing him back and keeping him in the squad,” Hutchinson told oddsboom.
“They only had a short number on the bench at the weekend and, probably that’s why Mo Salah was a little bit fortunate that he made the bench, because you know, [Cody] Gakpo was injured, [Wataru] Endo was injured, and [Conor] Bradley was suspended. So I think it’ll be a good move from Liverpool to bring him back.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
