Mohamed Salah is back on the European stage after being named in Liverpool’s squad to face Marseille in a crucial UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night.

The Egyptian forward returns to continental action following his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt in Morocco and rejoined Liverpool training earlier this week. His inclusion will be a major boost for the Reds as they prepare for a demanding encounter at the Stade Vélodrome in the seventh round of the league phase.

Salah took part in Liverpool’s open training session on Tuesday, easing any doubts about his readiness after missing the club’s previous Champions League fixture away to Inter Milan. That absence followed a turbulent period, including strong post-match comments he made after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has since moved to restore calm, holding what the club described as a positive and friendly conversation with the winger before his departure for AFCON. The Dutchman has now fully welcomed Salah back into his plans, naming him in a 20-man travelling party that flew out from John Lennon Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

There are, however, concerns in defence. Centre-back Ibrahima Konaté did not travel with the squad after missing open training due to family reasons. Although he is already in France, his availability remains uncertain. Should he fail to feature, Joe Gomez is expected to partner captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

Injuries and absences continue to limit Slot’s options, leaving Liverpool unable to name a full 23-man matchday squad or a 12-player bench. The travelling group includes three goalkeepers, Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman alongside promising youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leone remain sidelined.

Liverpool’s travelling squad to face Marseille is: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Nyoni and Ngumoha.

With Salah back in the fold and qualification at stake, Liverpool will hope their talismanic forward can once again deliver on Europe’s biggest stage.