Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has delivered a mixed fitness update ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United (3.30pm kick-off).
Slot confirmed on Friday that Mo Salah will miss the trip to Old Trafford, but he expects him to return before the end of the season.
An injury forced Salah off during Liverpool’s recent win over Crystal Palace, raising concerns that the forward may have already played his final game for the club amid his expected summer departure.
However, Slot quickly eased those fears.
“As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible,” Slot said in a press conference.
“We expect him to be back for the final part of the season but not for Sunday.”
The Liverpool manager emphasised the importance of the update, both for the team and for Salah himself.
“In all ways it is a big relief that his injury is minor so he is able to play for us again and at the World Cup,” he added on Sky Sports.
“If ever there was a player that deserves a big send-off, it is definitely Mo.”
Alisson nears return, others available
There is also uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has yet to resume full training with the squad.
While Slot did not completely rule him out, he stressed that they will proceed cautiously.
“He is very close to training with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff if he is able to train with us today, tomorrow or the start of next week,” Slot explained.
“He’s very close. We never want to take a risk with a player.”
Elsewhere, there were more positive updates. Dominik Szoboszlai is fit and available for selection, and Milos Kerkez will return to training after a minor issue.
“Dom Szoboszlai is always available, and he will be on the weekend,” Slot said.
“Milos Kerkez has had some niggles, so he left the training pitch on Wednesday, but I expect him to train today or tomorrow.”
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Slot points to injury disruption
Despite Liverpool winning their last three games, Slot suggested the performances have been below their usual standards.
“If you simply look at results, we can be positive because it is three wins in three games,” he admitted.
“But I don’t think it has been our three best performances of the season. We have shown we can play much better.”
He continued: “In the last three games I would not say we did not deserve to win, but we were luckier than we have ever been this season. This team is capable of much more.”
Injuries have played a significant role in disrupting Liverpool’s momentum throughout the campaign, something Slot acknowledged has made consistency difficult to achieve.
“It would be helpful if everyone was available once in a while, but that has not been the case this season. That is very extreme at the moment, the amount of players we are missing.”
Isak return offers boost
Slot also pointed to issues in front of goal as a key area for improvement.
“Converting chance creation into goals is something we haven’t done well throughout this season,” he said.
“One of the players that we always thought could score a lot of goals for us has hardly been available.”
However, there is encouragement with the return of Alexander Isak, who Slot believes can help ease the issues in attack.
“Happy to have Alexander Isak back. Unfortunately Mo, who has been another great goalscorer for so many years, is not available on Sunday,” he said.
“But Alex is, and I think some other players that haven’t scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to will go back to normal. The sooner the better.”
Champions League push continues
Looking ahead to the clash with Manchester United, Slot stressed the importance of the fixture for Liverpool’s season.
“We are aware of the fact that it is a very big game, not only because we play Man Utd but also to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table,” he said.
“We wanted to win the league. That is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible. That is something we are going to try again on Sunday.”
With players nearing a return and the pressure increasing, Liverpool head into the weekend knowing results and performances are crucial in the final weeks.
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SportJustSport writers 
Aidan Leo