Liverpool have confirmed that Mohamed Salah is expected to be back in action before the conclusion of the current campaign, despite a recent "minor" muscle problem that forced his early exit in the club's recent fixture. The 33‑year‑old Egyptian forward collapsed clutching his thigh during Liverpool's 3‑1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and was substituted just shy of the 60‑minute mark. As he walked off, Salah paused to acknowledge the Anfield supporters, his voice tinged with emotion as he thanked the fans for their unwavering backing. Last month the Egypt international made headlines by revealing that he had reached an agreement with Liverpool to end his nine‑year tenure on Merseyside.
The decision appears to be timed so that his final appearance could come in the season‑closing match against Brentford at Anfield, a fitting stage to bid farewell to the club that has defined the bulk of his career. While the club has not disclosed a precise timetable for his return, a statement posted on Liverpool's official website hinted that supporters will likely see the No 11 donning the red shirt again before the season draws to a close.
The club’s announcement read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season. 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 news is a welcome piece of optimism not only for Liverpool supporters but also for the Egyptian national side, which is gearing up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Salah suffered a scare with a similar injury before Egypt’s last successful qualification for the tournament in 2018, and although he managed to play, he was not at full capacity. A swift recovery this time would allow him to contribute fully to his country’s ambitions on the global stage. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence that Salah will receive the proper send‑off, regardless of whether he manages to feature in his planned farewell match.
"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 that go through your mind." Van Dijk added that the timeline for Salah’s return is uncertain but optimistic. "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." If Salah does make a comeback before the season ends, he could feature in any of Liverpool's remaining fixtures: an away clash against Manchester United on May 3, a home game versus Chelsea on May 9, an away encounter with Aston Villa on May 17, and finally the home showdown with Brentford on May 24.
Each of these matches offers a potential platform for the Egyptian star to showcase his skill one last time in a Liverpool shirt. Beyond the immediate footballing implications, Salah’s situation underscores the broader narrative of player longevity and the emotional weight of a long‑term departure. Over the past nine seasons, he has become synonymous with Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp, delivering countless memorable moments, from his iconic goal against Tottenham in 2020 to his decisive strike in the 2022 FA Cup final. His partnership with the likes of Sadio Mané and later Diogo Jota has been pivotal in shaping Liverpool’s attacking identity.
The club’s medical team has reportedly been monitoring his recovery closely, employing a combination of physiotherapy, targeted strength work, and modern recovery technologies to expedite his return while minimizing the risk of re‑injury. Such an approach reflects the increasingly scientific nature of elite football injury management, where even "minor" muscle strains are treated with precision to ensure players can perform at peak levels. For Liverpool fans, the prospect of seeing Salah back on the pitch provides a morale boost as the season winds down. The team is still in contention for a top‑four finish, and every point remains crucial.
Salah’s presence, even for a handful of minutes, could prove decisive in tight matches, offering both a tactical edge and an emotional lift for his teammates. In summary, while the exact date of Mohamed Salah’s return remains unconfirmed, Liverpool’s official statement assures supporters that the Egyptian forward is on track to feature before the season concludes. His recovery will be closely watched by both club and country, as he seeks to finish his illustrious Liverpool chapter on a high note and prepare for the next phase of his career, whether that involves a new club or a different role within the sport.