Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says he is happy to have Mohamed Salah returning to the club after leaving the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
The Pharaohs were eliminated in the semi-final by Senegal, with Salah’s former teammate Sadio Mané scoring the only goal of the match.
The Egyptian king will return disappointed but motivated to return straight to the Reds squad ahead of a crucial period of the Premier League season.
Slot says Salah will not play against Burnley, but will be available for the following match next week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “Next week [Salah will return]we talk with him and what is expected of him there and here. He has an important match on Saturday and then he will be back with us.
“First of all, he plays a big match for Egypt on Saturday, then he comes back to us.
“I’m happy he’s coming back. Mo has been so important for this club and for me, so I’m happy he’s back. Even if I had 15 strikers I would be happy to see Mo again but that’s not our situation.
“Happy to see him again after an important match tomorrow.”
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
But a home clash against Burnley on Saturday gives them a good opportunity to continue their strong run after a draw at the Emirates last time out.
Slot added: “It’s a challenge because we’re playing in the Premier League and we haven’t put ourselves in the most ideal position, especially when you compare where we were after six games.
“But we are now competing with these teams for fourth place. Aston Villa are having a very good season, so there is still a lot to play for in the league, because we know how important it is for any club, especially this one, to qualify for the Champions League.
“That didn’t happen a few years ago and it had a big financial impact on this club. We are aware of the importance of qualifying for the Champions League but we are also aware that this league is stronger than ever.
“That’s what we need to do really well in the league and we also have the FA Cup and Champions League to fight for.”
