Liverpool fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief—Mohamed Salah's injury is far less serious than initially feared, ensuring the Egyptian King will get the farewell he deserves at Anfield.
The 33-year-old forward, who announced his departure from the club at the end of this season, picked up what looked like a worrying hamstring problem during last Saturday's victory over Crystal Palace. However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that the injury is minor, and Salah will feature again before the campaign wraps up.
"Usually he's earlier fit than other players after a minor injury—because he has a minor injury—so we expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday," Slot explained. "It's a big relief that his injury is minor, so that he's able to play for us, that he's able to play at the World Cup. If there's any time a player that deserves to have that kind of big send-off, it's definitely Mo."
Unfortunately, that means Salah won't be available for Sunday's massive clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United—a game that carries serious Champions League implications. Liverpool currently sit three points behind third-placed United, with both teams on track for top-four finishes.
This season has been something of a rollercoaster for Salah, who announced in late March he would be leaving one year earlier than expected after nine seasons at Anfield. While he topped the Premier League scoring charts last term with 29 goals, this campaign has been more modest—just seven league goals—and included a very public disagreement with his manager.
With four games remaining, including the season finale against Brentford on May 24, Salah will have a few more chances to add to his tally and give the Kop a proper send-off. It's a fitting conclusion for a player who has given Liverpool so many unforgettable moments.
The news is equally significant for Egypt's World Cup hopes. Salah's injury scare brought back painful memories of 2018, when he traveled to Russia hampered by a shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League final—a tournament where Egypt failed to win a single match. This time, with the injury confirmed as minor, the Pharaohs can look forward to having their talisman fully fit for their Group G campaign, which opens against Belgium on June 15 before facing New Zealand and Iran. Egypt has never won a World Cup match in three appearances, and Salah's fitness could be the key to changing that history.