Liverpool chasing Top 4 without Salah

On the day when Graeme Souness, a Liverpool FC legend, stated that the main reason for the Reds’ struggles this season is the sharp decline in Mohamed Salah’s form, news arrived that the Egyptian has picked up an injury. As a result, the English champions will be without their talisman and top scorer from last and previous seasons for the away match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex. Just when it seemed Salah had rediscovered his form—scoring in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Galatasaray (4–0), his 10th goal of the season—he will now have to undergo rehabilitation.

The good news for Liverpool is that he could return after the international break.

“Mo won’t be able to play. The good thing for us is that he should be ready after the international break. The bad thing is that he won’t be able to play for Egypt national football team. Based on past experience, we hope he can recover faster than other players in similar situations, because he takes great care of his body. History shows he always comes back earlier. There are two weeks left, and I hope he’ll recover in that time,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

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The availability of Joe Gomez is also uncertain. Slot hinted he could be on the bench but is unlikely to start. Liverpool’s injury list is far from encouraging, as Slot will also be without Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, and Alexander Isak, who is also expected to return in about two weeks. Young players Stefan Bajčetić and Jayden Danns are also sidelined. To make matters worse, goalkeeper Alisson Becker has also been injured and had to withdraw from Brazil’s national team for matches against France national football team and Croatia national football team. As a result, Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal again.

BETTING GUIDE: Brighton vs Liverpool, match preview, team news and prediction

With a win, Liverpool could overtake Aston Villa, who host West Ham United on Sunday. However, Slot also criticized the scheduling after Champions League matches

“It’s always nice to play against a team that wants to compete openly. You’ll probably say I always have something to complain about. I don’t mind this kind of challenge if we had a full week to rest. But we are, and this isn’t complaining but reality, the only team that played in Europe on Tuesday or Wednesday and then has to play on Saturday. Everyone else plays on Sunday, and we are the ‘lucky ones’ to get a 13:30 away slot against one of the most intense teams in the league. Still, we’ll be ready.”

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Florian Wirtz is expected to create chances again, just as he did against Galatasaray. He set a club record in that match by creating eight chances—the most for Liverpool since Opta began tracking such statistics in the 2003/04 season.

“My back injury bothered me a bit—it would go away and then suddenly return. Now I’m fine, I feel good, and I’m happy to continue where I left off before the injury. Statistics are nice, it’s always good to keep them in mind, but the most important thing is that the team plays well. Still, I’m happy to contribute by creating chances. It will be very important to play with the same intensity against Brighton,” said the German midfielder.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 31

Friday

Bournemouth - Manchester United 2-2 (0-0)

/Christie 67, Kroupi 81 pen - Bruno 60 pen, Hill 71 og/

Saturday

15.30: (3.05) Brighton (3.80) Liverpool (2.30)

18.00: (1.60) Fulham (3.90) Burnley (5.80)

20.30: (3.45) Everton (3.50) Chelsea (2.20)

23.00: (2.45) Leeds (3.35) Brentford (2.90)

Sunday

15.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.85) Sunderland (5.00)

17.15: (2.00) Aston Villa (3.60) West Ham (4.00)

17.15: (2.30) Tottenham (3.40) Nott.Forest (3.10)

***odds are subject to change***