Liverpool have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial Premier League trip to Old Trafford, with Mohamed Salah ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Manchester United due to a minor muscle injury.
The Egyptian forward was forced off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend after 59 minutes, with Jeremie Frimpong coming on as his replacement. While initial scans eased fears of a serious issue, the timing of the setback means Salah will miss one of the season’s most high-profile fixtures.
Salah’s absence is a significant blow for Liverpool, especially given his extraordinary record against Manchester United. The 33-year-old has scored more goals against the Red Devils than any other player in Premier League history, netting 13 times overall and seven away from home at Old Trafford alone.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed the forward’s condition while offering reassurance that the injury is not expected to derail the final stretch of his career at Anfield, which is widely believed to be entering its last season.
“He is always working incredibly hard during the season when he is fit and when he is injured to get back as soon as possible,” Slot said. “Usually he is back earlier fit than other players. He has a minor injury, and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.”
Slot added that the club remains optimistic about Salah’s availability for the closing stages of the campaign and stressed the importance of managing his recovery carefully.
“It is a big relief that his injury is minor, and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send-off, then it is Mo,” he said.
Liverpool’s injury concerns do not end there. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also a major doubt after picking up a hamstring injury during the Champions League last-16 second-leg win over Galatasaray on March 18.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has now missed seven matches across all competitions, with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman sharing goalkeeping duties in his absence. Woodman stepped in for his first Premier League start in Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace after Mamardashvili was sidelined with a knee issue.
Slot confirmed that Alisson has yet to return to full training and remains a late decision for the trip to Manchester.
“He hasn’t trained with us yet but is very close to. We will hear today from the medical staff if he can train today,” Slot explained. “We don’t want to take any risks. There is a difference between a player and a goalkeeper in terms of coming back. [Outfield] players need to run much more.”
Sunday’s showdown carries huge implications for both sides in the race for Champions League qualification, with Manchester United currently three points ahead of Liverpool in the standings.
United’s recent form under interim boss Michael Carrick has added further intrigue to the fixture. Since his first Premier League match in charge, United have collected more points than any other team, strengthening their push for a top-four finish.
A win at Old Trafford would move United closer to overtaking Liverpool in the league standings for the first time since the 2022–23 season, but Slot insisted his side’s focus remains on securing European qualification rather than reflecting on missed title ambitions.
“We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position,” he said.
“We wanted to win the league – that is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible. A win is the right step forward. It is definitely not a step backwards.”
