Liverpool F.C. manager Arne Slot has confirmed that injured forward Mohamed Salah will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United F.C. at Old Trafford.
Salah was substituted for Jeremie Frimpong in the 59th minute of Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace F.C. last weekend after suffering a minor muscle injury.
The 33-year-old, who is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, is still anticipated to feature again before the campaign concludes.
However, the Egyptian forward will not be available for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United, a fixture in which he has enjoyed remarkable success over the years.
Salah has scored more Premier League goals against the Red Devils than any other player, netting 13 times overall and seven times away from home.
“He is always working incredibly hard during the season when he is fit and when he is injured to get back as soon as possible,” Slot told reporters.
“Usually he is back earlier fit than other players. He has a minor injury, and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.
“It is a big relief that his injury is minor, and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send-off, then it is Mo.”
Slot also disclosed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker has yet to resume training with the first team after sustaining a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray S.K. on March 18.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has missed the club’s last seven matches, with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman sharing goalkeeping duties in his absence.
Woodman made his first Premier League start for Liverpool against Crystal Palace after Mamardashvili suffered a knee injury during the Merseyside derby.
“He hasn’t trained with us yet but is very close to. We will hear today from the medical staff if he can train today,” Slot added.
“We don’t want to take any risks. There is a difference between a player and a goalkeeper in terms of coming back. [Outfield] players need to run much more.”
Sunday’s encounter carries major importance for both clubs in the race for Champions League qualification, with Manchester United sitting three points ahead of Liverpool.
Since taking charge earlier this season, United boss Michael Carrick has guided the club to more Premier League points than any other side, recording nine wins in 13 matches.
“We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position,” Slot said.
“We wanted to win the league – that is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible.
“A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward. It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards.”
