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The Reds head to the south of France this Wednesday with renewed belief and a familiar spark back in the squad. As the Reds prepare to face Marseille in the Champions League, all eyes are on one man. Mohamed Salah is back.
After more than a month away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, Liverpool’s No.11 has returned to training and travelled with the squad to Marseille. His availability alone shifts the mood around this game, not just for Liverpool supporters but for Marseille too. This is a European night that suddenly feels heavier, sharper, and far more unpredictable.
Salah’s Return Changes Everything
Few players change a team simply by walking back into it. Mohamed Salah does exactly that. Liverpool have coped reasonably well during his absence. They have defended solidly, controlled possession, and created chances. What has been missing is that ruthless edge in front of goal. Arne Slot was open about it in his pre match press conference.
He spoke about how the team has grown in creativity but lacked the finishing touch in certain moments. Against Burnley, Liverpool dominated the ball and carved out opportunities, yet failed to turn that control into a win. Slot made it clear that with Salah on the pitch, those same chances often lead to goals.
Salah’s movement, timing, and instinct inside the box remain unmatched. Even when he is not scoring, defenders are forced to adjust, creating space for others. His return is not just about goals. It is about belief, efficiency, and turning good performances into winning ones. For Liverpool, who are judged by results above all else, that matters more than anything.
Arne Slot’s Clear Message Ahead of Kick Off
Arne Slot struck a calm but focused tone when discussing the challenge ahead. He spoke about combining three key elements: creating chances, taking those chances, and continuing to limit opportunities at the other end.
Liverpool’s defensive shape has been impressive in recent weeks. Chances conceded have been minimal, and the control in midfield has improved steadily. Slot’s challenge now is balance. He wants the same structure and discipline, but with sharper finishing. Salah fits perfectly into that plan.
Slot also made a lighthearted comment about the club’s history of great goalscorers, hinting that while legends like Ian Rush defined eras, Salah remains the most effective weapon Liverpool currently have. His presence alone raises expectations.
Squad News and Key Absences for Liverpool
While Salah’s return is the headline, Liverpool will travel without Ibrahima Konate. The centre back did not make the trip due to family matters, and Slot confirmed he would leave it at that. His absence could slightly disrupt defensive combinations, especially given his understanding with Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool also remain without long term absentees Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Giovanni Leoni. These are familiar losses, and Slot has already adapted his squad around them.
One player to watch carefully is Curtis Jones. The midfielder is one yellow card away from suspension and would miss the final league phase match if booked. His discipline and decision making will be important, especially in a high intensity away fixture.
Marseille’s Situation and European Ambition
Marseille enter this fixture sitting 16th in the Champions League league phase standings, with three wins and three defeats so far. It is a position that leaves little room for error, particularly at home. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi was clear in his approach. Marseille are not preparing to survive. They are preparing to win.
He spoke about energy, courage, and collective effort. His emphasis on the forwards running together and maintaining intensity highlights how he wants Marseille to play. Aggressive, brave, and willing to go toe to toe with Liverpool.
De Zerbi also pointed to squad depth, noting he has attacking options on the bench and is ready to make changes if energy levels drop after the hour mark. That could be a key factor, especially if the game opens up late on.
Marseille Team News and AFCON Returns
Marseille may welcome back Nayef Aguerd, who represented Morocco in the AFCON final on Sunday. His availability would be a boost defensively, particularly against a Liverpool attack now featuring Salah again.
Leonardo Balerdi and Benjamin Pavard are both walking a disciplinary tightrope, just like Curtis Jones. Pavard missed the weekend win over Angers due to what De Zerbi described as a minor issue, though no clear update was given ahead of this match. The uncertainty around Marseille’s defensive pair adds intrigue. Against Liverpool, any lack of sharpness or cohesion at the back can be costly.
Form Guide: Confidence on Both Sides
Marseille come into this game full of confidence after a thrilling 5-2 away win against Angers on January 17. Goals flowed freely, and their attacking players showed real confidence and fluidity. Their starting eleven featured Rulli in goal, a back line led by Balerdi, a midfield anchored by Hojbjerg, and a dynamic front line including Greenwood, Traore, and Gouiri. That performance underlined Marseille’s attacking threat, especially when given space.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Anfield by Burnley on the same date. Despite dominating possession and chances, they could not finish the game off. That result adds extra weight to this Champions League clash. Liverpool will want a response, and European nights often bring that out of them.
Tactical Battle to Watch
This match sets up as a fascinating tactical contest. Marseille will likely press high and try to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm early. De Zerbi wants courage and intensity, especially from his forwards. If Marseille can force turnovers and transition quickly, they can cause problems.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will look to control the tempo. With players like Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Wirtz linking midfield to attack, the Reds will aim to dominate possession and stretch Marseille’s defensive shape. Salah’s positioning on the right will be key. His ability to isolate full backs and drift into central areas could open gaps for Ekitike or Gakpo. If Liverpool find rhythm early, Marseille may be forced to chase the game.
What Is at Stake
This is more than just another group stage fixture. For Liverpool, it is a chance to turn control into conviction. A win in Marseille would send a strong message about their Champions League ambitions under Arne Slot.
For Marseille, it is an opportunity to prove they belong at this level. At home, under the lights, with confidence from recent domestic form, they will believe they can hurt Liverpool. Both teams have reasons to be bold. Both have attacking quality. And both know mistakes at this level are punished.
Final Thoughts
With Mohamed Salah back in red, this game feels different. Sharper. More dangerous. Liverpool arrive with renewed firepower and a clear plan. Marseille arrive with courage, belief, and nothing to fear. Champions League nights thrive on these contrasts.
If Liverpool can match their creativity with clinical finishing, they have every chance of leaving France with a vital result. If Marseille can impose their intensity and make Anfield’s heroes uncomfortable, they could spring a surprise. Either way, this is shaping up to be a proper European contest, the kind that reminds everyone why the Champions League matters.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com