Mohamed Salah is expected to make his way back onto the Liverpool pitch before the campaign draws to a close, after the club confirmed that his recent setback was a "minor" muscle injury. The 33-year‑old forward collapsed clutching his leg during Liverpool's 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace on Saturday, prompting his substitution just shy of the 60‑minute mark.
As he limped off, Salah lingered for a moment to acknowledge the Anfield faithful, his voice cracking with emotion as he thanked the supporters for their unwavering backing. Last month, the Egyptian star revealed that he had reached an agreement with Liverpool to bring his nine‑year spell at the club to an end, with the final league fixture against Brentford at Anfield earmarked as a fitting farewell.
While the club has not supplied a precise timetable for his comeback, an update posted on Liverpool's official website hinted that supporters will likely see the No 11 don the red shirt again before the season’s conclusion. "Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season," a formal statement read.
"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 timing of the news provides a morale boost for Egypt as the nation prepares for its World Cup campaign. Salah suffered an injury scare ahead of the country's last qualification for the tournament in 2018, but managed to play through the tournament at less than full capacity.
His fitness will be closely monitored by the Egyptian national team staff, who hope the striker can contribute at full strength in the upcoming qualifiers and the World Cup itself. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk offered reassurance about Salah's recovery, emphasizing the team's collective desire to see their teammate back on the field. "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 combination of feelings that go through your mind." Van Dijk added that the exact timing of Salah's return remains uncertain. "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.
I don't think that is the thing at this point; we shouldn't think too far ahead. Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him, let's see." The club's schedule now includes a series of crucial fixtures that could provide Salah with a chance to bid farewell in front of his home crowd. Liverpool will travel to Manchester United on Sunday, May 3, before hosting Chelsea on Saturday, May 9.
Further away games against Aston Villa on Sunday, May 17, and a home showdown with Brentford on Sunday, May 24, round out the remaining calendar. Each match carries its own stakes, from securing a higher league finish to ensuring a dignified exit for the Egyptian legend.
Beyond the immediate footballing implications, Salah's impending departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool. Since arriving from Fiorentina in 2017, he has become the club's all‑time leading scorer in the Premier League, won multiple Golden Boots, and helped secure a Champions League title, a Premier League crown, and several other trophies. His partnership with teammates such as Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and later, Darwin Núñez, defined Liverpool's attacking identity for several seasons. The club's medical team, led by physiotherapist Craig McDermott, has been overseeing Salah's rehabilitation.
According to the team's protocol for minor muscle strains, the player undergoes a regimen of targeted physiotherapy, low‑impact conditioning, and progressive load management to ensure a safe return without risking re‑injury. The staff’s confidence in a swift recovery reflects both the nature of the injury and Salah's professionalism in adhering to recovery guidelines. Fans across the globe have taken to social media to express their support, sharing messages of encouragement and reminiscing about the player's most memorable moments – from his spectacular solo goal against Tottenham to his decisive strike in the 2022 Champions League final. The collective hope is that Salah will be able to step onto the Anfield turf one more time, perhaps to lift his arms in celebration after a goal, before saying goodbye to the club that shaped much of his career.
In summary, while the exact date of Mohamed Salah's return remains to be confirmed, the consensus among club officials, teammates, and supporters is that the Egyptian forward will likely feature again before the season ends. His recovery from a minor muscle injury appears on track, and the remaining fixtures provide a realistic window for a final appearance at Anfield. Whether he returns in the next match or a few weeks later, the focus will be on giving him a proper send‑off, honoring his contributions, and ensuring he leaves the club in good health for the next chapter of his illustrious career.