Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has issued a clarification on his injury after Arne Slot’s comments, while a former goalkeeper has announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian’s decision to leave Anfield, as he goes up against the Reds legend for the final time in English Football.
All that and more in today’s Liverpool news roundup:
Pep Guardiola hails special Mohamed Salah
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke to the media ahead of the Quarter Final FA Cup clash against Liverpool, heaping praise on Mohamed Salah. He said that the winger was one of the greatest to play the game and was leaving Anfield as a Premier League legend. He said:
“One of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency – what a player! What an incredible human being. Goals and assists – an absolute legend for Liverpool football club and for the Premier League for all he has done. I think it’s a good moment to say goodbye to him in this country tomorrow. So he deserve an incredible incredible recognition for what he has given to the world football, especially in this country.”
Read more: Pep Guardiola praises Mohamed Salah
Salah has faced Guardiola’s Manchester City twice in the FA Cup and has not managed to get on the scoresheet.
Worry for Arne Slot ahead of Manchester City clash
Michael Oliver will be taking charge of Liverpool’s game against Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend. The referee sent off Arne Slot last season, after the Reds’ head coach tried to speak with the official about his mistake during the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Read more: Why Liverpool fans should be worried about Manchester City clash
Oliver has taken charge of 67 Liverpool matches, with the Reds winning 31 and losing 15 times. He has refereed two games for Slot’s side this season, with the Anfield side coming out victorious on both occasions.
Meanwhile, he also took charge of two Manchester City matches this season, both ending in draws for the Cityzens.
Alisson issues statement after Slot provides injury update
Slot spoke about Alisson ahead of the FA Cup game, revealing that the goalkeeper will be out for the next few weeks. He said that the Brazilian is expected to be fit ‘towards the end of the season’ and is out for longer than expected.
“[Alisson] will not be part of the PSG game either, [he is] out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit. [Salah] is available, he trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for tomorrow.”
Alisson has since taken to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a statement saying that he has not suffered a fresh setback.
He expects to be fit by the end of the month and said: “I didn’t suffer a new injury. I’m in the treatment phase, and the plan is to be in full playing condition by the end of April.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili will be in goal once again, and the Georgian will be hoping to keep a clean sheet after losing his two matches with the Reds in March.
Simon Mignolet announces retirement
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has announced that he will be calling it time on his career this summer. The 38-year-old is currently playing for Club Brugge and is expected to be starting in the remaining 10 matches of the season.
Taking to social media, the Belgian posted a short message, which read: “The Final Chapter. 10 more games, let’s finish in style!”
Read more: Former Liverpool goalkeeper announces retirement
Mignolet played 204 matches for Liverpool after joining from Sunderland in 2013. He won the UEFA Champions League with the Reds in 2019.
