- Mohamed Salah is gearing up for the final lap of his Liverpool career
- There have been doubts over his availability ahead of the FA Cup tie with Manchester City
- He did not go away on international duty due to the issue.
Arne Slot has provided the latest injury update on Mohamed Salah ahead of the FA Cup quarter final clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Reds are set to return to action for the first time since the international break with a trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (4 April), as Pep Guardiola’s side host in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
This break was not as quiet as usual, with Salah dropping the bombshell news about his departure at the end of the season.
There is no doubt that the Egypt international’s farewell will continue to dominate headlines, while Slot and Co. attempt to end what has been a largely disappointing campaign on a high note.
Slot has major boost ahead of Manchester City clash
The FA Cup presents a realistic opportunity for Liverpool to turn their otherwise woeful season into a good one.
However, they have to get past Manchester City on Saturday to keep those hopes alive, and for that, Slot needs all his players firing on all cylinders.
The Dutchman had been sweating over the availability of Salah, who missed the Reds’ 2-1 defeat against Brighton before the break due to a muscle injury.
He did not go on international duty either, but it has now been confirmed that he is available for team selection this weekend.
Previewing the trip to the Etihad, Slot revealed that Salah is fit after successfully completing training two days in a row.
“Is he fit? Yes, he is”, Slot told a press conference. “Trained yesterday and today, he’s available. What has happened since he announced is what he completely deserves. An unbelievable career at this club, every three days, winning trophies. I saw a beautiful picture of him in front of all the trophies he won, so I hope he can add two more before the end of the season.”
Slot also addressed the elephant in the room, tipping his hat to Salah for the stunning career he has forged at Anfield.
He reckons the announcement could prove to be a boost to the team, unlike John Barnes, who has concerns over its timing.
The Dutch tactician is aware that weight of the decision will not matter to Salah.
“A boost? For the club, maybe. It doesn’t matter for Mo, that is what he has shown; he is always available in his best possible shape, and it doesn’t change. He has always given everything for this club in all the years. I hope he could give even more, but that is not realistic because he gave all he had. If we have a Mo in the form he’s been in in so many years that will be a big help for us.”
Salah could giving part gift to Liverpool
Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 21 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
That is certainly disappointing, considering Slot’s men lifted the title last year and went on to spend £446m on new signings.
Their only hope of success this term relies on the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
The Merseyside-based club have earned their way into the quarter-finals of both competitions, and it now remains to be seen how they progress.
If their inconsistent form is to go by, it is hard to see Liverpool emerge successful in either of them, but you never know.
This is why Slot would want Salah to be at his best between now and the end of the season.
This has arguably been the former Roma attacker’s worst season for the Reds, although he still has 10 goals and nine assists to his name across all competitions.
Although the 33-year-old is drawing a curtain on his stint on Merseyside, he will know that he can still break a few more records, while also firing the team to one or two trophies.
There are increasing shouts for Slot to be sacked despite leading the Reds to the title last year, and his future at the club may also depend on success in those two competitions.
