Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a comprehensive fitness update on his squad ahead of the crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City, confirming that star forward Mohamed Salah is fit and available for selection. This marks Salah's first potential appearance since his bombshell announcement that he will leave the club this summer, adding emotional weight to the high-stakes match.
Salah Returns to Full Training and Availability
Mohamed Salah has returned to full training with Liverpool this week after missing the Premier League defeat to Brighton before the international break and withdrawing from Egypt duty to focus on recovery. Slot confirmed the Egyptian's readiness, stating, "Yes he is available, he trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for tomorrow." Salah, who has scored 255 goals for Liverpool since joining in 2016, remains a key player as the Reds battle on three fronts, despite his impending departure.
Alexander Isak's Gradual Return from Injury
Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak is back in full training after a lengthy absence due to a broken leg, though Slot cautioned that a starting role is unlikely. "It will definitely be too fast for the starting line-up. Yesterday was his first training for 101 days. It will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes, but we will work him carefully," Slot explained. When asked if Isak could feature in the squad, Slot suggested a brief cameo might be possible, but extended play remains improbable at this stage.
Other Squad Updates and Absences
Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa will undergo fitness tests on Friday to determine their availability for Saturday's match, with Frimpong nursing an injury from Netherlands duty and Chiesa withdrawing from Italy's squad. However, Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson, who remains sidelined with the issue that kept him out against Brighton. Long-term absentees Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni continue their recovery, while Wataru Endo is still rehabilitating from ankle surgery.
Liverpool's Pivotal Season and Salah's Legacy
This FA Cup tie kicks off a critical period for Liverpool, who face Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals and Premier League matches to secure a top-five finish for Champions League qualification. Despite meekly surrendering the Premier League title, the season could still yield two major trophies and a glorious farewell for Salah. Signed in 2016, Salah has been instrumental in two title-winning campaigns, including the 2020 triumph that ended a long top-flight drought, though recent frustrations led to a public spat with Slot before reconciliation.
The Egyptian's departure, confirmed via social media during the international break, will see him leave with 12 months remaining on his contract, likely on a free transfer amid speculation of a move to Saudi Arabia. As Liverpool prepares for this blockbuster clash, Slot's updates highlight both the immediate challenges and the emotional undertones of Salah's final months at Anfield.
