Arne Slot Press Conference: Salah Injury Relief Ahead of Man Utd Clash

Arne Slot provided a positive Mohamed Salah injury update when he met with the media on May 1st. The boss also discussed the importance of the May 3rd match with Manchester United at Old Trafford and gave his assessment of Liverpool’s chance creation this season.

It’s A Relief

Slot confirmed that Mo Salah will return before the end of the season, but he has been ruled out for the Manchester United clash.

“As we know from Mo, he's always working incredibly hard during the season when he's fit, but definitely also when he is injured, to be back as soon as possible. That's what he's trying now so well. Usually, he's earlier fit than other players after a minor injury - because he has a minor injury. We expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday. 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. If there's any time a player that deserves to get a big send-off, it's definitely Mo."

A Big Game

Anytime Liverpool and United play, it’s a big game, but considering that the two rivals are only separated by three points on the table, the contest takes on extra meaning.

“I think it’s always like that, every game you play has influence on your league position,” Slot said. “So that’s not only when you play Man United, it’s every week in every game. But we are aware of the fact that it’s a very big game, not only because we play Man United, but definitely also to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table, which, of course, is something we want. We wanted to, of course, win the league. That’s not possible. And then you have to try to end up as high as possible, and that’s what we are trying week in, week out, and that’s what we’re going to try Sunday again as well.”

That’s More Like It

Liverpool have won three EPL matches in a row, and it’s no surprise to Slot that they are creating more chances than earlier in the campaign.

“Having Alex [Isak] more and more available. Having him available at his top level would even increase that even more. In general, having players available would help in becoming consistent. At the moment, not playing three times in seven days helps in our consistency. But indeed, chance creation, converting into goals, that is something we haven’t done very well throughout this whole season. But one of the players that we always thought could score a lot of goals for us has hardly been available. And you could see last week that it was a chance but it wasn’t the biggest chance we’ve got this season, and he finished that one off really well, Alex, by scoring the 1-0.”

LFC Globe Verdict

Arne Slot is not the only one relieved that Mo Salah will be back before the end of the season. I did not think he would after seeing him walk off the pitch vs. Crystal Palace. As the boss said, Mo deserves a proper sendoff.

Have Your Say

How much importance do you place on this contest? Is finishing third vs, 4th on the table really that much of a difference when a Champions League spot is all but assured? Drop a comment below.

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