Liverpool's Mohamed Salah benched for Brighton match amid Saudi interest
What's the story
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian football star, has been named on the bench for Liverpool's Premier League clash against Brighton on Saturday. The match is set to start at 8:30pm IST. It was his first appearance in a Reds squad since he accused the club of "throwing him under the bus" after last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds United in the Premier League. Liverpool manager Arne Slot named nine substitutes for Saturday's game.
International duty
Salah's absence from Champions League win and future plans
Salah missed Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan as he prepares to head to the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. The 33-year-old forward has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League clubs when the transfer window reopens next month. This could potentially be his last appearance in a Liverpool squad, given ongoing interest from Saudi clubs and a rejected £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad in summer 2023.
Performance history
Salah's impressive record and recent benching
Despite not starting for Liverpool in five consecutive games, Salah is the club's third top goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 420 matches. Ahead of the Brighton game, he had invited his family to Anfield saying, "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
Future talks
Salah's agent to discuss future with Liverpool
Earlier this week, Liverpool manager Slot said he was uncertain if Salah had played his last game for the club. However, after positive discussions during the week, Salah was included in the squad for Brighton. His agent Ramy Abbas is expected to speak with the club while Salah is on international duty at AFCON.
What's next
What next for Salah?
Salah is set to gor AFCON on Monday. If Egypt go far in the competition, Salah might not return to Merseyside until after the final on January 18. He is likely to miss up to eight Liverpool games if Egypt reach the final in Morocco. January will be immense for the Reds as it remains to be seen whether Saudi clubs go big for Salah. In the ongoing 2025-26 season, Salah has scored five goals in 18 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions.
Twitter Post
Liverpool team to face Brighton
The Reds to take on Brighton this afternoon 👊🔴 #LIVBHA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 13, 2025