Liverpool boss Arne Slot said it was an “easy decision” to include Mohamed Salah in his squad against Brighton and there was “no issue to resolve”.
The 33-year-old made his first Liverpool appearance since claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club following last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Leeds.
“What’s been said between the two of us, I’ve said many times, for me that stays between us,” Slot told Sky Sports after the 2-0 victory over Albion.
“He was back in the squad and we needed him.”
The Egypt forward received warm applause from the home fans as he was substituted on in the 26th minute at Anfield, following an injury to defender Joe Gomez.
He then provided the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, a whipped corner into the box, and renditions of his chant followed from the home supporters.
Salah had chances to increase Liverpool’s lead – firing over the bar before overcooking a pass for Andy Robertson – before he did a lap of the pitch at full-time.
“He was a threat, the first ball he touched he almost gave an assist to [Alexis] Mac Allister,” said Slot.
“He was constantly involved, pleasing but also not a surprise because he’s done that many times.”
Uncertainty remains over his future at the club as Salah is due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday.
With the Saudi Pro League interested in Salah, it is possible a move away from Merseyside could happen during the January transfer window – while he is away – but Slot did not indicate what might happen next.
“He goes to Egypt now to Afcon, that means for us another player down and we already didn’t have a lot,” he said. “But we knew before the season he would go and maybe one or two players can come back from injury. “
