Micah Richards defends Mohamed Salah amid Liverpool’s recent struggles

Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in form at Liverpool has sparked widespread discussion, but former footballer Micah Richards has stepped in to offer an explanation.

The Egyptian international, who started the season in outstanding fashion, has struggled to maintain his early-season standards in recent weeks, leading to speculation over the reasons behind his slump.

Richards, speaking on the issue, pointed to the impact of Ramadan, suggesting that Salah’s observance of fasting may be affecting his performances.

The former England international noted that the physical demands of playing elite-level football while abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours could be taking a toll on the Liverpool forward’s energy levels.

“People need to understand that Salah is currently fasting for Ramadan. It’s unrealistic to expect him to perform at the same level as when he’s eating and drinking as usual,” Richards explained.

“It’s natural for his energy levels to dip during this period.”

The 32-year-old winger has been a crucial figure for Liverpool this season, delivering stellar performances early on. However, in recent matches, his usual sharpness and intensity have appeared diminished, prompting questions from fans and pundits alike.

While some have speculated that injuries or fatigue could be playing a role, Richards insists that the demands of Ramadan should not be overlooked.

Liverpool have faced a challenging few weeks, with their exit from the Champions League compounding their struggles.

Despite this, Salah and his teammates came close to securing the Carabao Cup, narrowly losing 2-1 to Newcastle United in the final.

As Liverpool push forward in the closing stages of the season, Salah will be keen to rediscover his best form.

With Ramadan set to conclude soon, Richards believes the Egyptian star will quickly regain his usual sharpness once his routine returns to normal.