Mohamed Salah exits Liverpool campaign with hamstring tear ahead of final farewell

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out for the remainder of the Premier League campaign after suffering a hamstring tear during a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The injury occurred in the 60th minute of the match, prompting the 33-year-old Egyptian to applaud the crowd before walking off the pitch. While Liverpool did not issue an immediate medical update on the condition, Egypt national team director Ibrahim Hassan confirmed the severity of the setback to Reuters.

Hassan stated that the hamstring tear requires four weeks of treatment, effectively ending Salah's participation in the domestic league for the current season. This development coincides with the conclusion of Salah's nine-season tenure at Liverpool, a period defined by numerous trophies and consistent performance. Despite the physical setback, Hassan indicated that the player is expected to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup in North America, which is scheduled to commence on June 11.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on the difficulty of the moment, noting that it is too early to determine the full extent of the injury. Slot described the incident as emblematic of the season, highlighting the challenge Salah faces in leaving the field. The manager acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, suggesting that the act of leaving the pitch under these circumstances speaks volumes about the player's character.

Following the match, Salah is set to address the fans during the season finale against Brentford, marking his official farewell to the club. This event will serve as a formal conclusion to his time at the club, replacing on-field goals with words of gratitude. Hassan noted that Salah has recorded 12 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, solidifying his status as the club's third-highest goal scorer of all time.

The timing of the injury adds a layer of complexity to Salah's final campaign, as Liverpool still have fixtures remaining against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Villa. Hassan expressed Salah's determination to avoid a repeat of the injury issues that plagued him prior to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. That previous shoulder injury contributed to Egypt's early exit at the tournament, a scenario Salah is keen to prevent during the upcoming competition in North America.

While Hassan's assessment provides a clear timeline for recovery, the specific details regarding the injury remain unverified by Liverpool's official medical team. The club has not yet released an independent statement confirming the diagnosis or the projected return date. Nevertheless, the consensus among available sources points to a four-week recovery period that aligns with the start of the World Cup tournament.