Liverpool have confirmed that Mohamed Salah is expected to be back in action before the campaign concludes, despite a recent "minor" muscle strain that forced his early exit in the club's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The 33‑year‑old Egyptian forward clutched his leg and was substituted just before the 60‑minute mark, then lingered on the pitch to thank the Anfield faithful, his emotions evident as he waved to the crowd. Last month, Salah revealed that he had reached a mutual agreement with the club to end his nine‑year spell on Merseyside, with the final league fixture against Brentford at Anfield slated as a fitting farewell.
While Liverpool have not disclosed a precise timetable for his comeback, a statement on the official website indicated that supporters will likely see the No 11 donning the red shirt again before the season draws to a close. "Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season," the club said. "The No 11 was substituted during the second half of last Saturday's Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The issue that caused his withdrawal has now been confirmed as a minor muscle injury. It is, however, anticipated Salah will return to action ahead of 2025‑26's conclusion and his departure from the Reds this summer." The announcement is also a morale boost for the Egyptian national side as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Salah previously endured an injury scare ahead of Egypt's last World Cup appearance in 2018, but managed to contribute, albeit not at full capacity. His swift recovery this time could prove crucial for both club and country.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed confidence that Salah will receive the proper send‑off, regardless of whether he manages to feature in his final home game. "I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible," Van Dijk said.
"If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there are only two more home games left for him. It's a mix of emotions. Hopefully he won't be long.
Maybe he's back next week, maybe not. I have no idea. He will get the send‑off regardless. Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him, he'll be fine." Salah's injury was described as a "minor muscle injury," suggesting a relatively short rehabilitation period compared to more serious tears.
Modern sports medicine, combined with Liverpool's state‑of‑the‑art facilities, typically allows athletes with such strains to return within a few weeks, assuming no complications arise. The club's medical team will likely follow a graduated protocol: initial rest, light physiotherapy, strength rebuilding, and finally full‑intensity training before match‑day clearance. If Salah does make a return before the season ends, it will likely be in one of Liverpool's remaining fixtures: a home clash against Brentford on May 24, an away game at Aston Villa on May 17, or perhaps the Saturday match against Chelsea on May 9.
Each of these matches offers a different context for a farewell appearance. A home game at Anfield would provide the most emotionally charged atmosphere, with fans chanting his name and a possible standing ovation as he steps onto the pitch for the last time. Beyond the immediate impact on Liverpool's title chase, Salah's presence could influence the team's morale and performance in the closing weeks. His leadership, work ethic, and goal‑scoring instinct have been integral to Liverpool's resurgence under Jürgen Klopp.
Even a brief cameo could galvanise teammates and reinforce the attacking rhythm that has defined the club's recent successes. On the international stage, Egypt will be watching closely. Salah remains a pivotal figure for the Pharaohs, and his fitness will be a key factor as the nation aims to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. A swift recovery could see him back in the national squad for upcoming qualifiers, providing a boost to Egypt's attacking options.
In summary, while the exact date of Salah's return remains uncertain, the consensus among club officials, teammates, and medical staff is optimistic. The minor nature of the injury, combined with Liverpool's top‑tier medical resources, suggests that the Egyptian star should be back in training soon and potentially feature in one of the final matches of the season.
Whether he appears against Brentford at Anfield or elsewhere, fans can expect a heartfelt tribute to a player who has left an indelible mark on the club over nearly a decade.