Mohamed Salah ‘deserves a big farewell’, says Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah “deserves a big farewell” as he confirmed he expected the outgoing superstar to return from injury before the end of the season.

The Egyptian striker, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season, was forced off during last weekend’s 3-1 win at home to Crystal Palace, sparking fears he may have played his last game for the Reds.

Salah applauded the fans and received a standing ovation as he left the pitch.

Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday that 33-year-old Salah had suffered a «minor muscle injury» and was expected to return to action before the season ends.

The club travels to Manchester United on Sunday after three straight wins have put the club firmly on course for a place in next season’s Champions League.

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“We expect him to be back in the latter part of the season, but not before Sunday,” Liverpool boss Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“It’s a big relief that his injury is minor so he can play for us and play in the World Cup.

«And if there was ever a player who deserves to get a big send-off, it’s definitely Mo.»

Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 games since arriving at Anfield in 2017, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in Liverpool’s list of top scorers.

He had a public feud with Slot in December, declaring he had “no relationship” with the Dutchman after dropping out of three consecutive matches.

But the Liverpool manager later said he had “no problem to solve” when the forward returned to the squad.

Liverpool, whose Premier League title defense collapsed dramatically from late September, have four games remaining, starting with their meeting with United.

Published on May 1, 2026