• Anfield captain: ‘I hope he stays – he is one of my leaders’

• Player heads for Africa Cup of Nations after Brighton win

Virgil van Dijk wants Mohamed Salah to remain at Liverpool but the club captain accepts that is not guaranteed. The Egyptian was reinstated to the squad after being dropped for the Champions League trip to Inter in response to his outburst after the 3-3 draw at Leeds last weekend.

Salah was recalled by Arne Slot for Saturday’s win over Brighton, coming off the bench in the 26th minute for the injured Joe Gomez, as the coach shuffled his team. The forward marked his return to action by taking the corner from which Hugo Ekitiké scored his second goal but will now depart to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, and could be away for more than a month. His absence will allow time to resolve his long-term future.

• Former Liverpool forward has responded to treatment

• ‘Everyone at Liverpool FC wishes Ian a speedy recovery’

Ian Rush is recovering in hospital after the former Liverpool and Wales striker was admitted to intensive care with flu.

Rush was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital last week after suffering breathing difficulties and spent two days in intensive care. The 64-year-old, who is an ambassador for Liverpool FC, has responded to treatment but remains in hospital.