Injured Salah to miss Liverpool’s trip to Man Utd, Slot confirms

Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool will be without the injured Mohamed Salah for their Premier League clash with arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Salah was replaced byJeremie Frimpong in the 59th minute of Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, with the club confirming he sustained a minor muscle issue.

The 33-year-old, who is bringing the curtain down on his glittering Anfield career at the end of the season, is expected to feature for the Reds again this campaign.

But he will play no part in the Reds’ trip to Old Trafford this weekend, a team he has so often tormented during his stellar nine-year stint on Merseyside.

Salah hasscored more goals against the Red Devils both overall (13) and away from home (seven) than any other player in Premier Leaguehistory, and Slot highlighted the Liverpool stalwart’s importance in their final push to secure Champions League football next season.

"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 told reporters.

"Usually he is back earlier fit 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."

Slot also revealed that Alisson Becker is yet to train with the first team after suffering a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s last-16 second leg win over Galatasaray on March 18.

The Brazilian has subsequently missed the last seven games in all competitions, with goalkeeping duties shared betweenGiorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman.

Woodman made his first top-flight start for the club against Palace after Mamardashvilli was sidelined with a knee injury during Liverpool’s victory in the Merseyside derby.

And Woodman may be called upon again at Old Trafford, withSlot unable to confirm thatAlissonwill be available for selection.

"He hasn’t trained with us yet but is very close to. We will hear today from the medical staff if he can train today," Slot added.

"We don’t want to take any risks. There is a difference between a player and a goalkeeper in terms of coming back. [Outfield] players need to run much more."

Sunday’s clash comes with huge significance for both teams, with Michael Carrick’s side three points above Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.

SinceCarrick’s first Premier League game in charge this season, the Red Devils have won more points than any other side (29). His nine wins in 13 matches (D2 L2) are already more than Ruben Amorim won in his 20 games in 2025-26 (W8 D7 L5).

If United emerge with all three points, they will get ever closer to finishing above Liverpool in the Premier League for the first time since 2022-23, though Slot believed that was not a step backwards after their title triumph last term.

"We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position," he said.

"We wanted to win the league – that is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible.

"A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward. It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards."