Mohamed Salah's return unites Liverpool, says Virgil van Dijk
What's the story
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hailed the unity within the team after Mohamed Salah's return to the squad. The Egyptian forward made his comeback during Saturday's Premier League match against Brighton, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory in Matchweek 16. It was Salah's first appearance for Liverpool since he had publicly expressed his displeasure with the club after last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
Comeback details
Salah's absence and return
Salah was absent from Liverpool's midweek Champions League victory over Inter Milan but returned for the Brighton clash after discussions with manager Arne Slot. He came off the bench and assisted Hugo Ekitike's second goal in the 60th minute, further extending Liverpool's unbeaten streak to five games across all competitions. The forward is set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, potentially missing up to eight Liverpool matches if his team reaches the final on January 18.
Team spirit
Van Dijk emphasizes team's unity
Van Dijk stressed the importance of unity within the squad, especially with Salah's impending AFCON participation. "We showed this week that we are absolutely united. We go forward as one," the defender said to reporters. The captain also expressed hope for Salah's success in AFCON and his return as an influential player for Liverpool in the remainder of the season. "Mo is going to Afcon and we all hope that he'll be successful there and he'll come back and be important for us for the rest of the season."
Football unpredictability
Van Dijk acknowledges uncertainty in football
Van Dijk also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, saying, "I hope that he stays because he is one of my leaders and still very important for the football club." He praised Slot for his handling of recent events and stressed the need to keep moving forward as a united club. The defender said, "We've just got to keep going. He's at a club which is very together and that's how it has been before our time at the club."
Salah
Salah surpasses Lampard and Rooney with these feats
Making his 315th Premier League appearance, Salah has 90 assists (G190). With this tally of 280 goal involvements, Salah surpassed Frank Lampard, who was involved in 279 goals. Only Alan Shearer (324) and Wayne Rooney (311) own more Premier League goal involvements. Salah owns 277 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League (188 goals, 89 assists). This is now the all-time record by a player for a single club in the competition, overtaking Rooney's 276 for Manchester United (183 goals, 93 assists).
Slot
Slot says there is no issue to resolve with Salah
After Liverpool's win over the Seagulls, Slot said there is no issue with Salah. "For me, there is no issue to resolve," Slot said after the win. "He is now the same as any player. You talk to your players if you are happy or unhappy with things but there is nothing for me to talk about after what happened against Leeds after the game."
Twitter Post
WATCH: Slot speaks on Salah!
Arne Slot speaks about Mohamed Salah after he came from the bench to register an assist in @LFC's win against Brighton 💬 pic.twitter.com/2NHHnx89gy
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 13, 2025