Dec 14 (Reuters) - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stressed Mohamed Salah's importance after the2-0 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday, adding that he was hopeful the Egyptian would stay at the club after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah returned to Liverpool's squad on Saturday following a turbulent week after the forward's scathing criticism of the club raised uncertainty over his future on Merseyside.