In a massive boost for Arne Slot’s side, Mohamed Salah has officially returned to the Liverpool squad and will be available for their critical UEFA Champions League encounter against Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The Egyptian forward landed in France on Tuesday evening as part of the 20-man travelling party, marking his first club involvement in over five weeks following his participation in the 2025 AFCON.
The Context: A Resurrected Relationship?
Salah’s return is significant not just for tactical reasons, but because of the drama that preceded his departure.
The "Bus" Interview: Before leaving for AFCON, Salah gave a controversial interview suggesting he had been "thrown under the bus" after being benched during a difficult run of results.
The Reconciliation: Head coach Arne Slot confirmed today that "normality has been restored." In his pre-match press conference, Slot admitted the team missed Salah’s clinical edge during recent Premier League draws against Burnley and Arsenal.
Match Fitness: While Salah finished 4th at AFCON (losing the bronze medal match to Nigeria on penalties), he is reportedly "fit and eager" to start, though he may begin on the bench given his heavy workload in Morocco.
The Stakes: Liverpool currently sit outside the automatic top-eight qualification spots. A win at the Orange Vélodrome is seen as essential to avoid the nerve-wracking playoff round in February.
The Verdict: With Alexander Isak sidelined with a long-term injury, Salah’s return couldn't be more timely. His presence alone shifts the gravity of the Marseille defense, potentially opening up space for Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to exploit.