Arne Slot said it was an ‘easy decision’ to name Mohamed Salah to Liverpool’s matchday squad to face Brighton.
The Egyptian had been dropped for Wednesday’s visit to Inter Milan after hitting out at Slot and the club in an explosive interview, but was reinstated to the bench for today’s win over the Seagulls.
He came on in place of the injured Joe Gomez after just 26 minutes and provided the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal of the day.
Speaking at full-time, Slot said he was pleased to see the Egyptian back on form.
"I think he was a threat,” said the Dutchman. “The first ball he touched, he almost made an assist for Mac Allister. He was constantly involved. Pleasing to see but not a surprise.
"It was an easy decision to put him in the squad. I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us.
“We needed him and he assisted to the 2-0 which is nice for us. We have been so many times this season on the wrong side of the set-piece battle.”
He added that Salah’s departure to AFCON will make his selection more challenging amid mounting injuries: "He goes to the AFCON and that means for us another player down.
“This is what we knew before the season started. Hopefully one or two players can come back from injury."
Looking at the bigger picture, Slot added he was glad to have won two in a row after such a chastening run of games.
"Very pleased. I think you could see today what it means for the players if you have to play many games.
“We had three days rest and were facing a team that had a week to prepare. You could see the problems during the game with injuries but the mentality was great."
