MOHAMED SALAH JOINS LIVERPOOL SQUAD FOR MARSEILLE CLASH AFTER AFCON RETURN
Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool’s lineup against Marseille. Arne Slot shuts down rift rumors and eyes the UCL knockouts.
Mohamed Salah looks set to jump straight back into Liverpool’s starting lineup against Marseille on Wednesday. Arne Slot made it clear he’s got no problems with the Egyptian forward.
Salah joined Liverpool training on Tuesday for the first time since coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations. His dream of winning a first continental title with Egypt ended in the semi-finals against Senegal, who went on to win it all. Before he left for Morocco, people were already questioning his Liverpool future. He’d accused the club of hanging him out to dry after some poor results, and his relationship with Slot seemed to be on the rocks.
No one really knows what’s next for Salah at Liverpool, but Slot insists there’s nothing personal going on from his side. He pretty much said Salah’s coming straight back into the squad for the Champions League clash in France. If Liverpool wins in Marseille, they’re through to the knockout rounds.
Slot explained, “There was one time I chose not to play Mo, and one time I didn’t take him to a game—the Inter match after his big interview. Every other match, he’s been in the squad. He was the first sub against Brighton. So for me, there’s never been an issue. First chance I get, he’s back in the squad. Check the lineup tomorrow if you still think there’s a problem.”
Since Slot first dropped Salah at West Ham, Liverpool have gone unbeaten in 12 games. Still, Slot admits they’ve missed Salah’s impact. “I’m really happy he’s back,” he said. “We’ve done alright without him—barely conceded and created a lot of chances. But when you’re creating that much, having Salah makes a difference.”
“There’s only one player who’s scored more for Liverpool, but I don’t think I can put Ian Rush out there anymore!” Slot joked. Roger Hunt actually scored more, too, though some of those were in Division Two. “It’s just good to have Mo back. Against Burnley, with all those chances and possession, you’d back Salah to score more.”
Ibrahima Konaté didn’t make the trip to Marseille because of a family issue. As for pressure, someone asked Slot if he feels it more now that Xabi Alonso is out of a job and if Alonso—a Liverpool favourite—has been in touch.
Slot laughed it off. “Yeah, he called me and said, ‘What do you think about the team? I’m taking over in six months. Can you fill me in?’ Maybe he takes over tomorrow. No, seriously, that’s one of the weirdest questions I’ve had. What’s there to say?”
“I’ve been here a bit over a year and a half, and I really enjoy the job. We won the league last season; this year’s been tougher, that’s clear. There’s not much else to add.”
TOTTENHAM CONFIRM MANAGER POSITION FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST ATLETICO MADRID
Tottenham confirm Igor Tudor will remain in charge for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid this Tuesday.
Tottenham has put an end to the speculation about Igor Tudor’s future by confirming he will stay on as head coach for their upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Sky Sports reports Tudor will lead the pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of this crucial fixture.
Pressure on Tudor had been mounting following a rocky start at Tottenham. There were murmurs he might be sacked after a series of disappointing results, but the late 1-1 draw against Liverpool seems to have provided a reprieve. Before that, the assumption was that one more loss, especially away at Anfield, could cost him his job. Confirming Tudor’s role for the Atletico clash signals the club is sticking with him for now, at least through the next big challenge.
That challenge is significant. Spurs are trailing 5-2 on aggregate after the first leg against Atletico, a match that drew sharp criticism for Tottenham’s performance. The game was difficult to watch, not only because of the scoreline but also because of a striking moment when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was taken off just 17 minutes in, a rare and unsettling decision that highlighted deeper issues.
For Tudor, Tuesday’s match is both a test and an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. The confirmation of his position brings mixed feelings among fans. There’s a recognition that stability is important during such a hectic part of the season, yet lingering doubts remain after some shaky displays.
Fans watched the first leg against Atletico with a sense of disbelief. Conceding five goals and that early goalkeeper substitution raised legitimate questions about the team’s preparation and tactical choices. That substitution felt emblematic of a chaotic night, reflecting larger problems.
The gritty draw with Liverpool, though, offered a glimpse of fighting spirit and earned some credit for resilience, even if the overall form is inconsistent. Moments like that can offer managers breathing room in tough times.
Still, supporters crave clarity and a long-term vision. Tottenham has shifted its direction multiple times in recent years, and the fans want a coherent plan moving forward. Tudor now has a clear chance to reinforce his authority and bring some order against a tough Atletico side.
Even if overcoming the deficit proves elusive, Spurs supporters will be looking for signs of organisation, determination, and a stronger team identity. That might be the most valuable takeaway from the clash.
UCL DRAW 2026 LAST 16: PREMIER LEAGUE GIANTS FACE BRUTAL DRAW IN QUEST FOR EUROPEAN GLORY 2026
The Champions League draw is out! Read the full list of fixtures, including Man City vs Real Madrid and Newcastle’s trip to Barcelona.
Manchester City will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in what’s easily the standout fixture of this season’s Champions League round of 16.
UEFA stuck to the same process as last year’s new format, running the draws for the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals all on the same day in Nyon, Switzerland.
There’s still plenty of English interest left in the competition. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Man City all made it through, which pretty much guarantees the Premier League an extra Champions League spot next season thanks to the UEFA coefficient.
With the seeding and pairing rules, each of the 16 teams already knew they’d be facing one of just two possible opponents in the next round.
Liverpool and Tottenham ended up in the same section of the bracket. No surprise, since they finished third and fourth in their groups.
Arsenal, who topped their group, drew Bayern Munich. Manchester City got Sporting Lisbon, and Chelsea lined up against Barcelona.
After Newcastle’s play-off win over Qarabag, they were slotted into their section of the bracket.
Now that the draw’s done, here’s what’s coming up: Chelsea will take on defending champions PSG, and Newcastle will get Barcelona.
Real Madrid against Manchester City is the pick of the bunch, two giants going toe-to-toe.
Liverpool will face Galatasaray, while Tottenham will meet Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta – a tricky tie either way.
Here’s the full Champions League last 16 draw for 2025/26:
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
And for the Europa League quarter-finals:
Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea vs Galatasaray/Liverpool
Real Madrid/Manchester City vs Atalanta/Bayern Munich
Newcastle/Barcelona vs Tottenham/Atletico Madrid
Bodø/Glimt/Sporting vs Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal
The Europa League semi-finals shape up like this:
Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea/Galatasaray/Liverpool vs Real Madrid/Manchester City/Atalanta/Bayern Munich
Newcastle/Barcelona/Tottenham/Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt/Sporting/Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal
As for the dates, here’s what you need to know:
Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026
Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026
Semi-finals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026, in Budapest
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