Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool after Afcon exit with future still uncertain

Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations dream ended in Tangier as Egypt fell to Senegal in the semi-finals, leaving the 33-year-old once again short of the continental crown he craves. Despite scoring four goals across five games, Salah could only smile ruefully at the final whistle, his disappointment masked but unmistakable.

The forward now prepares to return to Merseyside following Saturday’s third-place play-off against Nigeria in Casablanca. His absence has coincided with Liverpool’s 11-game unbeaten run, though performances have been criticised as “dull and boring” by manager Arne Slot himself. Salah’s last appearance came against Brighton in December, where he assisted and received a warm ovation from the Anfield crowd after apologising to teammates for his explosive interview at Leeds.

Context matters. Salah has won every major club honour since joining Liverpool in 2017, but Afcon glory continues to elude him. He was denied in the 2021 final when Sadio Mane scored the decisive penalty, and again in World Cup qualifying in 2022 when Mane converted in a shootout after Salah missed. His next chance will come in 2027, when Egypt compete in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, by which time Salah will be 35 and out of contract at Liverpool.

The match flow of his Liverpool return is clear. Fifa rules prevent him from facing Burnley this weekend, but he is expected back for the Champions League tie against Marseille next Wednesday, followed by Bournemouth in the Premier League. With Alexander Isak injured and Conor Bradley ruled out for the season, Salah’s availability is timely. Slot may deploy him on the right flank or even centrally, though Hugo Ekitike remains the preferred option up front.

Key incidents in Salah’s recent club saga include his Leeds outburst, where he accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched. Slot has since insisted there is “no issue to resolve,” treating Salah like any other player in the squad.

The second half of the season will test Salah’s resolve. He must earn his place back in the starting XI while navigating speculation about his long-term future.

Late drama could come in the summer. With Mane thriving in Saudi Arabia, a move to the Middle East remains a viable option for Salah if he feels sidelined at Anfield.

Closing the chapter, Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is secure, but his next steps are less certain. For now, he remains vital to a squad hit by injuries, and his return could prove decisive in both domestic and European campaigns.