The Liverpool coach discussed Salah’s status ahead Saturday’s Premier League clash and the upcoming international window after sustaining an injury during a historic four-goal European rout
Liverpool‘s momentum heading into the spring stretch has been dampened by the confirmed absence of Mohamed Salah for this weekend’s visit to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 33-year-old forward played a key part in the 4-0 hammering of Galatasaray on Wednesday, a performance that secured Liverpool’s place in the Champions League quarter finals and saw Salah become the first African player to reach 50 goals in the competition.
However, the milestone night ended on a worrying note when Salah signalled to the bench and requested a substitution with 15 minutes remaining, later admitting to the medical staff that he “felt something” in his leg.
During Friday’s pre-match press conference, coach Arne Slot delivered the definitive verdict on his star attacker’s fitness.
“It is unusual, and as a result of that, I think you can expect the outcome so not available for tomorrow,” the Dutchman confirmed.
While the loss of Salah is a blow to Liverpool’s frontline, Slot noted that the timing provides a small silver lining due to the looming two-week hiatus in the domestic schedule.
The injury has officially ruled Salah out of Egypt’s upcoming international fixtures, ensuring he remains on Merseyside for intensive rehabilitation.
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Slot eyes post-break return for Salah
The Liverpool boss remains optimistic that Salah’s professional discipline and renowned physical conditioning will facilitate a swift recovery.
“The good thing for Liverpool, for us is that we go into an international break,” Slot explained. “We are hoping also with what Mo has shown in the past that he can recover faster than what other players might in similar situations because he just takes such good care of his body.”
With Liverpool set to face a gauntlet in early April, including a massive Premier League showdown with Manchester City followed by a European clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the medical team is targeting a return for the April 4 fixture at Anfield.
In addition to the concerns in attack, Liverpool’s defensive rotation continues to be hampered by lingering fitness issues.
Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez is unlikely to start at the Amex Stadium on Saturday after being restricted to a bench role during the midweek European clash.
Gomez, who has dealt with a buildup of minor “issues” following a heavy run of games against Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur, was unable to participate in full training sessions earlier this week.
“Joe wasn’t able to come in, we tried to postpone it as often we could [against Galatasaray],” Slot revealed. “He might be – might be – available tomorrow but not to start.”
With Salah sidelined and Gomez lacking match fitness, Liverpool may look to Dominik Szoboszlai or Jeremie Frimpong to fill the void on the right wing.