Liverpool's Marseille Clash: Salah Back in the Fold as Reds Reveal 20-Man Squad

Liverpool name squad for Marseille clash as Salah makes return

Liverpool have announced their 20-man travelling squad for the Champions League meeting with Marseille, with Mohamed Salah back in contention after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty in Morocco.

The Egyptian winger took part in the open training on Tuesday as Arne Slot readies his side for Wednesday’s encounter at the Velodrome following a European fixture against Inter Milan earlier this month.

Salah’s return follows comments after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United that had kept the forward out of the last European match. Slot reinstated him to the squad after amicable talks prior to travel to the national team camp.

The list features 20 players who left John Lennon Airport on Tuesday, heading for France, with the match due to be staged at the Velodrome.

In form, Ibrahim Konaté was absent from the flight for family reasons, while it remains unclear whether he will join up with the squad in France; if Konaté misses out, Joe Gomez could partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

Even if Konaté travels later, Slot cannot name a full 23-man squad or a 12-man bench due to the ongoing restrictions on available numbers.

Three goalkeepers were included: Alisson Becker, Georgiy Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman, with academy duo Rio Ngowhereha and Trae Niyoni among the youngsters listed as options.

Liverpool continue to be without long-term absentees Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Gio Leoni.

Liverpool's travelling squad for Marseille: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Kirkez, Virtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Kiesa, Jones, Jakubo, Iketiki, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frempong, Gravenberch, Niuni, Ngomuhwa.

Punchline time: If this squad were a sniper, the bullets would be aimed at keeping a clean sheet, not at the punchline—though we’ll take both: one shot on target, one laugh off target, and a reminder that football sometimes writes its own jokes better than any stand-up. And yes, if you’re wondering whether we’ve added extra players just for the bench, relax—the joke’s on us for trying to fit 23 into a bus that only seats 20.