Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence that Mohamed Salah will receive a fitting farewell at Anfield, even if the Egyptian’s Liverpool career has been cut short by injury. The Liverpool captain remains hopeful that his departing teammate will do everything possible to return before the season concludes and play for the club once more.
Salah’s Injury and Scan
Salah was substituted during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace after sustaining a hamstring injury. Head coach Arne Slot has admitted uncertainty over whether the 33-year-old will feature again this campaign. Salah is set to undergo a scan to determine the severity of the damage.
“I hope so,” Van Dijk said regarding a potential return. “There will be a medical assessment, and that will determine what the issue is going to be. I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Remaining Fixtures
Liverpool have four matches left this season, beginning with Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, followed by an away game at Aston Villa. Their home fixtures include a clash with Chelsea on 9 May and a final home match against Brentford on 24 May, which had been earmarked as Salah’s potential last game for the club.
“If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there are only two more home games left for him. It’s a combination of feelings that go through your mind when you go off,” Van Dijk added. “The reality is he has to get scanned, assessed. Hopefully, he won’t be long, but at this point, I don’t know. Maybe he’s back next week, maybe not. I have no idea.”
Salah’s Legacy
Salah is the third-highest scorer in Liverpool’s history, with 257 goals in 440 appearances. Van Dijk believes that Salah’s achievements—including winning the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League twice, and the PFA Player of the Year award three times—ensure he will be celebrated regardless of whether he plays again for the club.
“He will get the send-off regardless,” Van Dijk stated. “I don’t think that is the thing at this point; we shouldn’t think too far ahead. Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer with the right people around him, and let’s see.”
