Mohamed Salah has completed the first stage of his rehabilitation at Liverpool after returning to action in the club’s 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton on Saturday. The Egypt forward came off the bench to a warm reception and played a decisive role, setting up the second goal as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions.
However, as Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations, questions have resurfaced about his long-term future at Anfield upon his return.
Salah entered the match in the 26th minute as a substitute for the injured Joe Gomez and immediately lifted the atmosphere inside Anfield. Liverpool had already taken an early lead through Hugo Ekitike’s first-minute strike. Nevertheless, Salah added urgency and creativity, especially on the counterattack.
His quality showed again in the 60th minute when his corner delivery allowed Ekitike to head home his second goal. The assist sparked loud chants from supporters, underlining their willingness to back the Egyptian despite recent tensions.
Before the match, Salah met with Liverpool manager Arne Slot to try to resolve recent issues. The meeting proved decisive, as Slot restored Salah to the matchday squad after previously leaving him out as punishment for public criticism last weekend.
⚡ Salah returns and makes an instant impact
Assist on his Premier League comeback
Message sent? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ebvlkUZ1fG
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 13, 2025“It was an easy decision to put him in the squad,” Slot said. “What has been said between us will stay between us.”
Liverpool supporters echoed that sentiment by giving Salah a rapturous welcome. Slot later added that Salah posed a constant threat throughout his cameo, calling the performance “pleasing but not a surprise.”
Salah could now miss more than a month of action if Egypt progress deep into the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence comes at a delicate moment, with speculation continuing over whether he will remain at Liverpool beyond the current season.
Read: Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Future in Doubt as Saudi Clubs
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea secured a 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer set the tone with his first goal in three months, finishing calmly in the 21st minute after collecting a pass from Malo Gusto.
Although Palmer showed sharp movement, he admitted after the match that he is still managing a groin injury and is not yet at full fitness. Gusto doubled Chelsea’s lead just before halftime, lifting the Blues to fourth place in the table. Meanwhile, league leaders Arsenal were set to host bottom-placed Wolverhampton later in the day.
