Liverpool receive Mohamed Salah boost ahead of crunch Man City clash

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the matchday squad for the club’s high-stakes FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City this Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.

The Egyptian international’s availability provides a massive boost for manager Arne Slot as the Reds enter the decisive final phase of the 2025–26 campaign.

Salah, 33, was sidelined for Liverpool’s recent 2-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton after sustaining a muscle injury during a Champions League victory over Galatasaray on March 18.

The injury also forced him to withdraw from Egypt’s national team during the recent international break.

However, the prolific forward has spent the hiatus undergoing intensive rehabilitation, and club sources indicate he has responded exceptionally well to treatment.

The timing of Salah’s return is particularly significant following his recent official announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.

Saturday’s clash is being viewed as the start of a “farewell tour” for a player who has become a modern legend at Anfield.

Despite the injury setback, Salah has remained productive this season, recording 10 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Arne Slot expressed optimism regarding his star forward’s fitness during a press briefing on Monday.

The manager cited Salah’s renowned physical conditioning and history of rapid recoveries as key factors in his accelerated return.

With Liverpool fighting to secure a top-four Premier League finish and progressing in the Champions League, having their leading talisman available for a knockout tie against their greatest domestic rivals is a timely development.

The match, scheduled for a 12:45 PM BST kick-off. For Liverpool, the FA Cup represents a primary opportunity to secure silverware in Salah’s final season, while Manchester City will look to leverage home advantage to halt their rivals’ momentum.