Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah is expected to return from a minor muscle injury before the end of the season, insisting the Egyptian forward deserves a grand send-off as he prepares to leave Anfield.
Salah's injury scare
The 33-year-old was substituted during last weekend's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield, sparking fears he might have played his final game for the Reds. An emotional Salah acknowledged the fans' applause as he left the pitch, receiving a standing ovation. However, Liverpool confirmed earlier this week that the injury is only minor, and Slot expects him to feature again before the campaign concludes.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot said: "We expect him to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday. In all ways it's a big relief that his injury is minor, so that he's able to play for us, and also able to play at the World Cup. If there's ever a player who deserves to get a big send-off, it's definitely him."
Salah's legacy at Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances, placing him third on the club's all-time scoring list behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. His contributions have been instrumental in Liverpool's successes, including the Premier League title won last season under Slot. Despite a public disagreement with Slot in December, when Salah stated he had "no relationship" with the Dutchman after being dropped for three consecutive games, the pair have since reconciled, and Salah quickly returned to the starting lineup.
Champions League qualification crucial
Liverpool travel to face bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, having won their last three matches to virtually secure a place in next season's Champions League. The Reds currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind third-placed Manchester United but eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton. The top five teams automatically qualify for Europe's elite competition.
Slot emphasized the importance of securing Champions League football: "I wouldn't say a step forward, but it's the right step to make. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League, for any club, but definitely for our club."
Slot on criticism and Alisson's return
When asked whether he has been judged too harshly following last season's title win, Slot replied: "That's for you guys to judge. I'm not in this job to judge if I'm criticized too harshly or too much or too less." He also provided an update on first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined since March: "He is very close to returning to training, but we don't want to take any risks."
With four games remaining, Liverpool aim to finish the season strongly and give Salah the farewell he deserves.
