Liverpool downgrade Salah injury concerns as return anticipated before season concludes
Mohamed Salah is expected to resume duties prior to the final match against Brentford, though specific dates remain contingent on medical assessment.
Liverpool have officially revised their assessment of Mohamed Salah's fitness following his absence against Crystal Palace, downgrading initial concerns regarding a potential hamstring tear to a minor muscle injury. The club's statement indicates that while the 33-year-old Egypt international was forced off during the second half of the match, the severity of the condition is significantly less than previously feared.
Management at Anfield has stated it is anticipated that Salah will recover in time to feature in the final Premier League fixture against Brentford on 24 May. This update provides a clearer trajectory for the forward, who is set to depart the club this summer after a nine-year spell that saw him score 257 goals in 435 appearances. The shift in medical classification removes the immediate spectre of a career-ending injury that would have denied him a farewell appearance.
The timing of this recovery is particularly significant given Salah's commitment to captain Egypt at the upcoming World Cup. While the club emphasises that the player remains on track to lead his national team, the specific date of his return remains unconfirmed beyond the general expectation of fitness before the campaign ends. The timeline relies on ongoing medical assessments rather than a guaranteed fixture, meaning any fluctuation in his condition could still impact his availability.
Liverpool's remaining schedule includes matches against Chelsea on 9 May and Aston Villa on 17 May, with the Brentford clash serving as the season finale. Although a return against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday appears highly unlikely, the latest information offers hope that the forward can contribute to the squad before leaving the club. The club's tone suggests a pragmatic approach to the injury, focusing on the likelihood of recovery within the existing window rather than promising a definitive date.
Historically, only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have scored more goals for the club than Salah, making his potential final season a subject of intense scrutiny. The manner in which he was replaced against Palace, where he took time to applaud the Anfield crowd, had initially raised questions about whether he would have the chance to add to his tally. The downgrade of the injury report alleviates some of the anxiety surrounding his legacy at the club.
While the club expresses optimism regarding his return, the nature of sports injuries means that the statement that he will definitely play before the end of the season must be viewed as an anticipation rather than a confirmed fact. The source of this information, BBC Sport, reflects the club's official stance, which balances the desire to see the player finish the campaign with the reality of the medical recovery process.
