SOCCER: Liverpool's Salah ruled out of Man Utd clash, says Slot

Liverpool F.C. forward Mohamed Salah will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against rivals Manchester United F.C. due to a muscle injury, but manager Arne Slot said Friday that the Egyptian is expected to return before the end of the season.

Salah was forced off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace F.C. last week because of a hamstring issue, raising initial concerns that his campaign—and possibly his future at Anfield—could be over. The forward is widely expected to leave at the end of the season.

Liverpool said Wednesday that the injury is not as serious as first feared, and that Salah should play again before the campaign concludes.

“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 told reporters.

“We expect him to be back for the final part of the season but not for Sunday against Man United.

“In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor so he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If ever there was a player that deserves a big send-off, it is definitely Mo.”

Liverpool enter the match on the back of three consecutive Premier League wins, with Sunday’s result seen as crucial in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

United, meanwhile, have improved under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who took over following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. They sit third in the table, three points ahead of Liverpool, and need two more points to secure a top-five finish and a place in next season’s European competition.

“We are aware that it is a very big game, not only because we play United but also to qualify for the Champions League and achieve the highest possible position in the table,” Slot said.

“We always know they are really good, but now they are showing it in the league table. It might be a bit of an advantage that they only play once a week.

“When we have played them every time, I have seen how good they are and now they have, especially under Michael Carrick, become more consistent in their results.”

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined due to injury. Slot said the Brazilian has not yet returned to training but is close to full fitness.

“I have to hear today from the medical staff if he is able to train with us today, tomorrow or at the start of next week. He’s very close,” Slot added. -Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters)(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in BengaluruEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters