• Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a “big send-off” as Liverpool prepare for his exit
• Salah is expected to return before end of season despite minor muscle injury
• The club confirmed that his injury is not serious and will return likely in final fixtures

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said Mohamed Salah “deserves a big send-off” as the club confirmed the Egyptian forward is expected to return from injury before the end of the season.

Salah, who is set to leave Anfield at the end of the campaign, was substituted during last weekend’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace after picking up a minor muscle issue.

His exit sparked fears among supporters that he may have already played his final match for Liverpool, especially as he was seen applauding fans and receiving a standing ovation while leaving the pitch.

The club confirmed on Wednesday, April 29, that the 33-year-old had sustained a “minor muscle injury” and is expected to return before the season concludes.

Liverpool, who face Manchester United away on Sunday, have won three matches in a row and remain on track for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

“We expect him to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Friday, May 1.

“It’s a big relief that his injury is minor, so that he’s able to play for us, that he’s able to play at the World Cup.

“And if there’s ever a player who deserves to get a big send-off, it’s definitely Mo.”

Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2017, ranking behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in the club’s all-time scoring charts.

Tensions had surfaced earlier in December when Salah publicly stated he had “no relationship” with Slot after being dropped for three consecutive matches.

However, the Liverpool manager later insisted there was “no issue to resolve” upon the forward’s return to the squad.

Liverpool, whose Premier League title defence collapsed earlier in the season, now have four games remaining, starting with their trip to Old Trafford this weekend.

Arne Slot’s outburst earns extended match ban after Merseyside derby drama

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Liverpool manager Arne Slot had received a two-match touchline ban following his furious reaction to Everton’s late equaliser in the Merseyside derby.

The controversy arose after Liverpool players claimed Konaté was fouled in the build-up to Everton’s equaliser, but VAR did not intervene.

Slot missed Liverpool’s matches against Wolves and Aston Villa but returned for the crucial clash against Manchester City.