Man United host Liverpool on Sunday as they aim to complete the double over their rivals at Old Trafford and secure Champions League football in the process.
Mohamed Salah clutches his leg during Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace last weekend
Mohamed Salah clutches his leg during Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace last weekend(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed Mohamed Salah will not feature against Manchester United on Sunday while first-choice goalkeeper Alisson is a major doubt. Salah picked up a minor muscle injury during the victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. The extent of Salah's injury was unclear after the game.
Liverpool confirmed this week they expected their forward to play for the club again before his departure this summer, but Slot has ruled Salah out of the trip to Old Trafford.
"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 fit earlier 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.
"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."
Liverpool are also sweating over the fitness of Alisson. The 33-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury since March and his understudy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, has been absent after sustaining a 'large wound' against Everton. Those injuries combined meant third choice Freddie Woodman started last weekend and it remains to be seen which goalkeeper will be fit to face the Reds.
"He hasn't trained with us yet but is very close to," Slot said of Alisson. "We will hear today from the medical staff if he can train today.
"We don't want to take any risks. There is a difference between a player and goalkeeper in terms of coming back. [Outfield] players need to run much more."
United's injury updates will be confirmed this afternoon when Michael Carrick addresses the media. Matthijs de Ligt remains a long-term absentee for United while Matheus Cunha was absent with a hip problem against Brentford. The Brazil international returned to training on Thursday.