The news comes as a significant blow to the Reds’ lineup. While Salah’s injury was recently downgraded to “minor,” Slot clarified that the weekend fixture is too early for the forward’s return.
Meanwhile, Alisson’s absence further complicates Liverpool’s defensive setup for the crucial rivalry match.
But the boss has shared his “big relief” following news that Mohamed Salah will feature for the club again before his summer departure.
Initial fears of a season-ending hamstring injury have been quelled by scans revealing only minor muscle damage.
The Egyptian forward limped off during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. With Salah set to depart this summer, speculative reports from Egypt suggested he may have already played his final game for the Reds.
However, he won’t be involved for one final time at Old Trafford. He is expected to return before the end of the season, though the meeting with Manchester United comes too early in the recovery timeline.
“Usually, he is fit sooner than other players when he has a minor injury, so we expect him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.
“In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor, that he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If there is any time a player deserves to have a big send-off, it is definitely him.”
The 33-year-old has been a major catalyst for chaos and destruction that has been caused by the Merseyside outfit along the East Lancs Road for nearly the better half of a decade.
You only have to look at last year’s dominant 3-0 over Erik Ten Hag’s side, where Salah provided two assists for South American teammate, Luis Diaz, whilst bagging himself a goal as they cruised to three points.
His impact at Old Trafford has been a regular reliability; therefore, it will be a noticeable hole when the teams collide on the weekend. The Egyptian is the eighth-highest scorer at the Theatre of Dreams since 2020.
The Dutch head coach has confirmed the Brazilian shot stopper remains a doubt, though there is a small chance that he’s included on Sunday.
Slot said, “Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. Very close to train with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff to see if he is ready to train today, either tomorrow or the start of next week.
“He is very close, but also we don’t want to take any risks.”
Fellow goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is also in the treatment room after a nasty clash in the Merseyside derby left him leaving the ground on a stretcher.
Freddie Woodman has stepped up to the plate with a solid performance at home against Crystal Palace, as his name was serenaded on the Kop. The game against their North West rivals is a different beast from last Saturday’s meeting, however.
Liverpool must walk through a storm
The Reds have enjoyed a far from perfect campaign. Results have been a major topic through the season, though it seems injuries have now taken centre stage, as least for the moment.
The two veterans will be deeply missed, though there are others who would have played their part. Hugo Ekitike is just one example, whose Achilles injury against Paris-Saint Germain ruled him out till 2027.
Milos Kerkez also picked up a slight issue early this midweek, though Slot suggested the injury shouldn’t be too bad for him to miss any action.
“Milos has had some niggles, he left the training pitch the day before yesterday, but I expect him to train either today or tomorrow.”
Two players who must make a difference are Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, yet the £240 million duo have faced their share of setbacks.
Plenty is riding on Sunday’s meeting, from European qualification to bragging rights over old bitter rivals; it stands as the most important game in the fixture schedule. The Reds being without key personnel is a big blow.
Salah and Alisson have been instrumental figures in big games, with a lot of say in how this fixture normally evolves; therefore, it is time to see what this new-look side is made of that has been built by the club. With the pair absent, Sunday offers a test to see what Liverpool’s new core can deliver when it matters most.
