Mohamed Salah is showing signs of recovery from his recent injury and could potentially make a return to play for Liverpool before the end of the season, though his chances of featuring against Manchester United on Sunday are slim. Manager Arne Slot remains hopeful that the Egyptian star will be back in action before the conclusion of his nine-year tenure at Anfield.
Salah was forced to leave the pitch during the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday, which sparked speculation about whether this might have been his final appearance for the club. However, the club has since described the issue as a “minor muscle injury,” with plans in place for Salah to return during one of the last four games of the season.
Slot expressed confidence in Salah’s determination, stating, “As we know for Mo, he is always working hard when he is fit and when he is injured to be back.” He added, “He is usually fitter than others, so we expect him back for the final part of the season. Not for tomorrow. It is always a big relief that his injury is minor to play for us and the World Cup. Any time a player who deserved a send-off, it’s great news.”
Liverpool’s final game of the season is scheduled for 24 May at Anfield against Brentford, and Salah is hoping to be involved by then, with an emotional farewell expected. Until then, Slot is focused on securing a spot in next season’s Champions League, with the Reds needing just five more points from their remaining four Premier League matches to finish in the top five.
In addition to Salah’s potential return, the Reds are also hoping for the comeback of Alisson Becker from injury. For now, Freddie Woodman will continue as the starting goalkeeper against Manchester United, with Giorgi Mamardashvili also sidelined.
Slot provided an update on Alisson, saying, “It’s a bonus when every player comes back, our injury list is longer and longer.” He added, “Alisson hasn’t trained with us yet, I will find out today if he can today or start of next week. Very close but we don’t take risks. We don’t want to do that with any player. There’s a difference between a keeper and a player, they need to run more. So if the issue with an outfield player is when they are out it is the fitness levels, so there is a different issue with goalkeepers.”
Independent readers are independently-minded global citizens. They are not defined by traditional demographics or profiles, but by their attitudes. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, communities value real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a non-biased news brand that they can trust. Armed with information and inspiration, Independent readers are empowered and equipped to take a stand for the things they believe in.
