Mohamed Salah will miss Liverpool’s trip to Brighton on Saturday after picking up an injury in the midweek Champions League win over Galatasaray .
The Egyptian forward was forced off with 15 minutes remaining at Anfield after requesting to be substituted because he “felt something” . Now Arne Slot has confirmed the worst but with a glimmer of hope.
SLOT’S UPDATE
“It is unusual, and as a result of that, I think you can expect the outcome so not available for tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
The timing, however, could be worse. Liverpool now enter the international break, giving Salah two weeks to recover.
“The good thing for Liverpool, for us is that we go into an international break. The bad thing for Egypt is that he can’t go there, but we are hoping also with what Mo has shown in the past that he can recover faster than what other players might in similar situations because he just takes such good care of his body, and history has shown that he can be back earlier than others.”
THE TIMELINE
“But it’s only two weeks until we go again so let’s hope by that time he can be back.”
That would put Salah in contention for Liverpool’s nightmare run of fixtures starting April 4 FA Cup quarter final against Manchester City, Champions League quarter final against PSG, Fulham in the league, and the first ever Merseyside derby at Everton’s new home .
GOMEZ UPDATE
Slot also confirmed Joe Gomez will not be available to start after being benched in midweek . No further details given.
THE BRIGHTON GAME
Liverpool head to the Amex Stadium on Saturday sitting fifth in the table, with Champions League qualification still in their hands. Without their talisman, others must step up.
THE VERDICT
Salah out for Brighton. But with two weeks to recover, the bigger picture is what matters. Liverpool need their main man for the run in. If he’s back for April, this is just a speed bump.
