The Kop can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, will grace the Anfield turf one last time. Despite a recent injury scare, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed today that the iconic forward is set to return before the curtain falls on his phenomenal nine-season spell with the Reds.
However, the clock ticks too fast for Sunday’s colossal showdown against Manchester United. Salah, who picked up a minor hamstring problem in the recent victory over Crystal Palace, will be absent for the crucial clash at Old Trafford.
“He’s usually faster than anyone else coming back from a minor injury—and this is minor—so we absolutely anticipate having him back for the final run of the season, but not this Sunday,” Slot declared on Friday.
The news is a massive boost for both Liverpool and Salah’s legions of fans. “It’s a huge relief that it’s minor, ensuring he plays for us and, crucially, for Egypt at the World Cup. If any player deserves the biggest of send-offs, it is undoubtedly Mo,” Slot added, hinting at the emotional final home fixture.
Salah stunned the football world in late March by announcing he would depart Anfield a year ahead of schedule.
The Quest for Champions League and International Redemption
While this season has seen Salah’s output dip slightly—a disappointing seven Premier League goals after his 29-goal haul last term—his overall impact remains undeniable. His final appearances will be vital as Liverpool, currently three points behind third-place United, fight tooth and nail for a guaranteed Champions League spot. The season concludes on 24 May when Brentford visits Anfield.
Beyond Merseyside, the quick recovery also secures his place as Egypt’s talisman for the upcoming World Cup campaign. The Pharaohs, slotted into Group G, kick off against Belgium on 15 June, followed by fixtures against New Zealand and Iran. Salah will be seeking redemption, having been hampered by a shoulder injury during their last World Cup appearance in Russia in 2018.
