'Important' Mohamed Salah pleases Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool return in Lyon victory

The Egyptian plays first pre-season game as European champions are 3-1 victors in Switzerland

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott looks to wriggle past the Lyon defence. AFP

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool players acknowledge their supporters. AFP

Roberto Firmino goes up for a header for Liverpool. AFP

Mohamed Salah enjoyed his first game back in pre-season for Liverpool. AFP

Harry Wilson, right, is congratulated by Adam Lallana after scoring Liverpool's third. AFP

Klopp on the touchline. AFP

Salah stretches for the ball under pressure. AFP

Firmino goes close to finding the net as the ball hits the post. AFP

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold makes a break. AP Photo

Liverpool's Divock Origi, left, fights for the ball with Lyon's Oumar Solet. AP Photo

Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri looks to win the ball. EPA

Origi slides in to win the ball for Liverpool. EPA

Jurgen Klopp was pleased to have "important" Mohamed Salah back in his Liverpool line-up as the Merseyside club returned to winning ways in pre-season on Wednesday as they defeated Lyon in Switzerland.

The Egyptian had missed the opening weeks of preparation for the new season for the European champions due to his international commitments with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

But he started on Wednesday, along with Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Alisson who were also returning after helping Brazil win Copa America, as Liverpool were 3-1 victors.

Liverpool, who were beaten 3-0 by Napoli on Sunday, fell behind early on to a penalty from former Manchester United player Memphis Depay.

But Firmino levelled before an own goal from Joachim Andersen put them ahead.

Harry Wilson added a third in a game in which Klopp used a number of substitutes in the second half.

But it was the return of Salah that pleased Klopp.

He told reporters after the game: "I think Mo is naturally fit and he can sprint all day, which helps us of course.

"It opens up the pitch, you can play much more football – not always between the lines, if you from time to time chip the ball in behind the line then Mo makes these offers which is very important for us."

Despite the return of Salah, Firmino and Alisson, Klopp admitted he was unsure if the trio would start against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.

"I don’t know yet in the moment, so that’s how it is," Klopp said. "We have to see. I don’t say 100 per cent not, there’s a chance that they will play, yes.

"They will be involved whenever, from the start, maybe we cannot make these changes like today after half an hour or whatever, that’s maybe not possible in that game so we have to see."