Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said Mohamed Salah “deserves a big send-off,” confirming that the Egyptian forward is expected to return from injury before the end of the season ahead of his planned departure from the club.
The Egypt international, who will leave Liverpool F.C. at the end of the campaign, was substituted during last weekend’s 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace after suffering what the club later described as a minor muscle injury. The incident sparked initial concerns that he may have played his final match for the Reds.
Salah, who received a standing ovation and applauded fans as he left the pitch, has since been ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United but is expected to return before the season concludes.
Slot said the 33-year-old winger is recovering well and could feature in the final stretch of the campaign.
“We expect him to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday,” Slot said, adding that Salah is a quick healer and remains an important part of the squad’s plans.
He also expressed relief that the injury was not serious, noting that Salah could still play in upcoming competitions, including the Club World Cup.
Salah, who joined Liverpool in 2017, has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances, making him one of the club’s greatest-ever scorers, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
Despite a brief public disagreement with Slot earlier in the season, the forward quickly returned to the team and has remained a key figure.
Slot praised the forward’s contribution and legacy, saying he fully deserves recognition as he approaches the end of his Anfield career.
“And if there’s ever a player who deserves to get a big send-off, it’s definitely Mo,” he said.
Liverpool currently sit in a tight battle for a top-five finish in the Premier League, which guarantees Champions League qualification, with four matches remaining in the season.
The manager also confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is close to returning from injury but will not be rushed back into action.
Slot added that securing Champions League football remains a key objective for the club after a challenging season.
