Mohamed Salah is expected to return for Liverpool before the end of the season after suffering a “minor” muscle injury, the club has confirmed.
The 33-year-old went down, clutching his leg, during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday and was substituted just before the hour mark. Salah took his time to applaud the Anfield crowd as he left the field, looking emotional while doing so.
The Egypt international announced last month that he had reached an agreement with Liverpool to end his nine-year stay on Merseyside, with the final-day game against Brentford at Anfield appearing to be the perfect occasion to draw his time at the club to a close.
While no exact timeline has been given for his return, an update on the club’s website has suggested Liverpool fans will see the Egyptian wearing the club’s shirt again before the end of the campaign.
“Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season,” a club statement read.
“The No 11 was substituted during the second half of last Saturday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaks about Salah’s departure. Pictures from Liverpool FC
“The issue that caused his withdrawal has now been confirmed as a minor muscle injury.
“It is, however, anticipated Salah will return to action ahead of 2025-26’s conclusion and his departure from the Reds this summer.”
The news also comes as a welcome boost for Egypt ahead of their World Cup campaign. Salah suffered an injury scare prior to the last time the country qualified for the tournament in 2018, but featured at less than 100 per cent capacity.
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Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaks to The Anfield Wrap’s John Gibbons, calling on the Liverpool fans to have a smile on their faces when ‘one of the all-time greats’ Salah plays his final match for the club
Van Dijk: Injury won’t stop Salah from getting fitting farewell
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Salah will still get the send-off he deserves, even if he has played his final match for the club.
“I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Van Dijk said.
“If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there is only two more home games left for him, it’s a combination of feelings that go through your mind.
“Hopefully he won’t be long. Maybe he’s back next week, maybe not. I have no idea.
“He will get the send-off regardless. I don’t think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn’t think too far ahead.
“Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him and let’s see.”
Liverpool’s remaining fixtures
Sunday May 3: Man Utd (a) – kick-off 3.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Satruday May 9: Chelsea (h) – kick-off 12.30pm
Sunday May 17: Aston Villa (a) – kick-off 3pm
Sunday May 24: Brentford (h) – kick-off 4pm
