Arne Slot insisted any conversations between himself and Mohamed Salah will stay private as the forward prepares to return to Liverpool.

Salah's hopes of leading Egypt to Africa Cup of Nations glory were dashed on Wednesday as the Pharaohs lost 1-0 to Senegal.

It was Salah's former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane who got the decisive goal.

Egypt will face Nigeria in the third-place play-off on Saturday, before Salah returns to Liverpool.

Salah made headlines prior to the AFCON when he claimed he no longer had a relationship with Slot, and felt that the club had thrown him under the bus, going as far to as to suggest his Liverpool future was unclear.

After missing a Champions League game against Inter, Salah returned to the fold and provided an assist in a 2-0 win over Brighton.

When asked about Salah's return, Slot told reporters: "What happens with Mo and me on our phone or over here stays with us two. I don't share it is necessary for me to share the details of the private conversations I have either on phone or here with any of my players."

"Next week [Salah will return], we are in talks with him and what is expected of him over there and over here. He has an important game on Saturday and then he will be back with us."

Slot confirmed that next Wednesday's Champions League clash with Marseille has been identified as the match in which Salah will likely make his comeback.

Liverpool host Burnley on Saturday. The Reds have drawn their last three Premier League matches, and are unbeaten in nine games in the competition, but they are 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

The Reds are also eight points behind third-place Aston Villa.

"It's a challenge because we are playing in the Premier League and we have not put ourselves in the most ideal position, especially if you compare where we were after six games," said Slot when asked about Liverpool's aims for the season.

"But we compete with these teams now for fourth position. Aston Villa are having such a great season. So still a lot to play for in the league, because we know how important it is for any club, especially this club, to qualify for the Champions League.

"It didn't happen a few years ago and that had a big financial impact on this club. We are aware of the importance of Champions League qualification but we are also aware of the fact that this league is stronger than ever. That is what we have to do really well in the league and we also have the FA Cup and the Champions League to fight for."