With qualifying still well balanced and us in eleventh place with twelve points from six games, Wednesday evening offers an opportunity to change the momentum in Europe.
The return of our number 11 has been seen as more than just a selection conversation, with former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock outlining why the Egyptian could be decisive.
Why Mo Salah’s return is important for Liverpool in Marseille
Speaking BBC Radio 5 Live BreakfastWarnock suggested Salah can bring something back to our attack that has been missing in recent weeks.
“One of the shining lights is that Mo Salah is back,” the former left back explained.
“A lot of people see this as a potential problem in Liverpool’s squad because of the problems he caused before going to Afcon, but I think they need a game changer at the moment.”
Warnock added that our recent run of draws has highlighted a lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
“They need some goals in the team and need to be more clinical and maybe Salah can bring that lead back.” he said.
These comments come after Arne Slot suggested Salah would return to base in Marseille, insisting his relationship with the striker is good. “As normal as it has always been”.
The 33-year-old had previously given an explosive interview before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations “Someone doesn’t want me in the club” after falling.
Despite the noise, the Egyptian scored four goals at Afcon as Egypt finished fourth before returning to Merseyside this week.
Mo Salah and Liverpool’s challenge under the microscope
Warnock was also keen to emphasize that the environment that awaits us in the south of France will test more than just form.
“It’s a very hostile place to go. Marseille are a very good team under Roberto De Zerbi and it will be a huge challenge for Liverpool tonight.” he said.
Slot’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield this weekend despite registering 15 shots in the first half alone, highlighting the small margins currently in play.
That’s why Salah’s inclusion alongside Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike feels important, especially after the confirmation that Liverpool’s entire squad will travel to Marseille.
There is also added intrigue given John Aldridge’s belief that Salah will “I want to prove a point” after both Afcon and his reduced production earlier in the campaign.
Whether that advantage translates into goals on Wednesday remains to be seen, but the way is clear for our most experienced striker to make an impact on a crucial European night.
You can watch Slot’s pre-Marseille press conference via Kingdom of the Kop on YouTube:
Join our readers channel on WhatsApp to receive the most important stories of the day directly on your mobile
#Warnock #man #solve #Liverpools #Marseille #slump