Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stated that Mohamed Salah deserves a 'big send-off' as he confirmed the departing superstar is expected to return from a minor injury before the end of the season.

The Egyptian forward, who will leave Anfield at the end of the campaign, was forced off in last weekend's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, sparking fears he may have played his final game for the Reds. Salah applauded the fans and received a standing ovation as he left the pitch.

Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday that the 33-year-old had suffered a 'minor muscle injury' and is expected to return to action before the season concludes. The team travels to face Manchester United on Sunday after three straight wins have put them firmly in contention for a Champions League spot.

'We expect him to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday,' Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. 'It's a big relief that his injury is minor, so that he's able to play for us, that he's able to play at the World Cup. And if there's ever a player who deserves to get a big send-off, it's definitely Mo.'

Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances since arriving at Anfield in 2017, placing him third on Liverpool's all-time scoring list behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

He had a public spat with Slot in December, declaring he had 'no relationship' with the Dutchman after being dropped for three consecutive games. However, the manager later said there was 'no issue to resolve' with the forward.

Liverpool's Premier League title defense collapsed dramatically from late September, and they have four games remaining, starting with the trip to United. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer in the United States have been linked with moves for Salah.

Source: www.aljazeera.com