How Liverpool could have fared against Mohamed Salah at the Emirates on Sunday.
Back in January, the Reds won in North London despite the absence of Salah. In reality, they had won five of the six games the Egyptian had missed since New Year’s Day, while drawing the sixth. But last weekend’s game was a step too far.
How Liverpool could have fared against Mohamed Salah at the Emirates on Sunday.
Back in January, the Reds won in North London despite the absence of Salah. In reality, they had won five of the six games the Egyptian had missed since New Year’s Day, while drawing the sixth. But last weekend’s game was a step too far.
Liverpool, missing Mo and Darwin Nunez, looked feeble against Arsenal, losing 3-1.
The game will have heightened Reds fans’ desire to see Salah back on the field as soon as possible. Thankfully, the 31-year-old gave an update on his Instagram stories last night, indicating that it shouldn’t be too long now.
Salah appears to be in good shape in a series of images shared from his personal gym, stretching to touch both of his toes in a’splits’ posture.
We think the hamstring looks fine! With four days till Liverpool face Burnley on Saturday, hopefully this is an encouraging indication.
Salah seems limber.
Of course, we don’t know much about Salah’s current fitness level just on a few home gym images. But this bodes well for Mo’s participation in training this week.
Liverpool, much like in 2022, allayed fears that their quadruple push would falter without their No.11 in January.
On Sunday, however, everything seemed to catch up with the Reds a little. Nunez’s absence also contributed significantly to this outcome. Jurgen Klopp was always going to miss the pair’s 29 goals combined this season at the Emirates.
With all due respect, this weekend’s meeting with Burnley does not appear to be as difficult. If Mo isn’t prepared, there’s no real reason to rush him back for this one.
Having said that, Liverpool need to recover swiftly. It’s frustrating that they have to wait a week to put the Arsenal game behind them. They’ll hopefully be ready to go at Anfield.
With the Clarets floundering in the relegation zone, Liverpool should have too much for them nonetheless. If Mo is fit enough to make the squad, the Reds will get an extra boost.
Salah’s duel with Erling Haaland for the Premier League Golden Boot has not suffered during his absence. Despite Haaland’s injury, the pair remain tied at the top of the standings with 14 goals each. Knowing Mo will want to get out and add to that as quickly as possible. Burnley offers a promising opportunity to do so.
Let’s hope for more favorable updates as the week of training develops.
