Mohamed Salah to Return Before Season Ends but Will Miss Manchester United Clash

Key facts

• Mohamed Salah sustained a minor muscle injury during Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace on April 12.
• Salah will miss Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester United.
• Liverpool coach Arne Slot confirmed Salah is expected to return for the final part of the season.
• Salah announced in late March he is leaving Liverpool at the end of this season.
• Salah has scored seven Premier League goals this season, down from 29 last season.
• Liverpool has four league games remaining, concluding May 24 against Brentford.
• Egypt opens its World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15.
• Salah was slowed by a shoulder injury during Egypt's 2018 World Cup appearance.

Salah's Injury Confirmed as Minor

Liverpool FC has confirmed that Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season. The 33-year-old forward was substituted during the second half of last Saturday's Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield. The issue has now been diagnosed as a minor muscle injury, allaying fears of a more serious layoff.

Farewell Campaign Nears End

Salah, who announced in late March that he is leaving the club one year earlier than expected, is in his ninth season at Anfield. His departure this summer means the remaining matches represent a final chance for a proper send-off. Liverpool coach Arne Slot expressed relief at the injury's mild nature, stating, "It's a big relief that his injury is minor, so that he's able to play for us, that he's able to play at the World Cup. If there's any time a player that deserves to have that kind of big send-off, it's definitely Mo."

Slot Confirms Return Timeline

Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that Salah will play again during this campaign but will not be ready for Sunday's game at Manchester United. "Usually he's earlier fit than other players after a minor injury — because he has a minor injury — so we expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday," Slot said. The coach's comments provide clarity on Salah's immediate absence while offering hope for his involvement in Liverpool's final four league fixtures.

Liverpool's Stretch Run and Champions League Push

Liverpool has four games left this season, which concludes on May 24 when Brentford visits Anfield. Slot's team trails third-place Manchester United by three points, with both sides on track for Champions League qualification. Salah's return could prove crucial in securing a top-four finish, though his form has been lackluster this campaign. He has scored just seven Premier League goals after topping the chart last season with 29, and endured a public row with Slot earlier in the season.

World Cup Prospects for Egypt

Salah's recovery is also significant for Egypt, which is in Group G at the World Cup and opens against Belgium on June 15 before facing New Zealand and Iran. Egypt has never won a World Cup match in any of its three appearances. Their most recent participation was at the 2018 edition in Russia, where Salah was slowed by a shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League final weeks earlier, when Liverpool lost to Real Madrid. The current minor injury is not expected to hamper his World Cup preparations.

A Season of Transition at Anfield

Salah's impending exit marks the end of an era for Liverpool. The Egypt international has been a talismanic figure since joining in 2017, but this season has been marked by diminished output and internal friction. His public dispute with Slot highlighted tensions within the squad. Nonetheless, Slot's comments underscore the mutual respect that remains, with the coach emphasizing Salah's deserving of a grand farewell.

What Lies Ahead

With Salah set to miss the Manchester United clash, Liverpool must navigate a critical fixture without their star forward. The team's remaining games will determine their final league position and Champions League fate. For Salah, the focus shifts to returning to full fitness for a fitting goodbye at Anfield and leading Egypt in their World Cup campaign. The minor injury, while disruptive, appears unlikely to derail either objective.

The bottom line

• Mohamed Salah's minor muscle injury will keep him out of Sunday's match against Manchester United but he is expected to play again this season.
• Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the club.
• Liverpool has four league games remaining, with Champions League qualification at stake.
• Salah's return is crucial for Egypt's World Cup campaign, which begins June 15 against Belgium.
• This season has been challenging for Salah, with reduced goal output and a public dispute with coach Arne Slot.
• The injury is not expected to affect Salah's availability for the World Cup.