Liverpool are hopeful that forward Mohamed Salah will return from injury before the end of the season after being forced off during Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.
There were initial fears that the 33-year-old might have played his final game for the club after leaving the field in the second half with a suspected hamstring problem.
Such an exit would have been a disappointing end for Salah, who confirmed last month that he will leave Liverpool following a remarkable nine-year spell at Anfield, where he has scored 257 goals in 435 appearances.
However, the club said on Wednesday that the injury is a “minor muscle injury” and it is “anticipated” that the Egypt international will recover in time to play again before his departure.
Liverpool’s final match of the season is scheduled against Brentford at Anfield on May 24. The expected recovery timeline also keeps Salah on course to captain Egypt at this summer’s World Cup.
Since joining the club in 2017, Salah has enjoyed a highly successful career, winning two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, two EFL Cup titles and the FA Community Shield.
Only Ian Rush, with 346 goals and Roger Hunt with 285 have scored more for Liverpool. Salah’s gesture of applauding the Anfield crowd when he was substituted against Palace suggested uncertainty over whether he would be able to add to his tally.
While a return in Sunday’s clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford appears unlikely, the latest update has raised hopes that he will feature again before the season concludes.
Liverpool will host Chelsea on May 9 and travel to face Aston Villa on May 17 before wrapping up their campaign against Brentford.
BBC/MSH
