Virgil van Dijk says he wants Mohamed Salah to remain at Liverpool. The captain spoke after Salah left to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah had returned to the squad for the 2-0 win over Brighton. He assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal and then travelled to join his national team. If Egypt reach the final, Salah may miss seven league matches.
Liverpool will continue talks with his representatives during the tournament. These discussions follow Salah’s comments last weekend. He had been a substitute for three matches in a row. After that, he suggested that his future might be uncertain. Van Dijk spoke to him soon after and again throughout the week.
“I speak to him about everything. I told him I want him to stay,” said Van Dijk.
“I would love to have him around as he is one of the leaders, but the fact is he is going to AFCON.”
Van Dijk expects regular contact with the forward.
“We will be in contact over the next days and weeks like we always are and let’s see.”
He also wished him well.
“We hope he will be absolutely successful there and we all hope he will be coming back to be important for the rest of the season.”
He accepted the uncertainty around the situation.
“But, on the other side of it, we all know football and have no idea what is going to happen.”
Van Dijk said the squad stayed united despite the noise.
“The situation is just bringing so much noise… but we showed this week that we are absolutely united and we go forward as one.”
He also praised Arne Slot.
“I think he has handled it very well… I think the manager has done perfectly.”
Liverpool now begin a difficult spell without Salah and remain hopeful he will return ready for the final part of the season.
