Virgil van Dijk has admitted there is uncertainty over whether Mohamed Salah will play again this season after the Liverpool forward suffered an injury during the club’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace last Saturday.
The injury occurred during the fixture, part of the 34th round of the Premier League campaign, and has raised concerns over Salah’s availability for the remainder of the season. Early indications suggest the Egyptian international has sustained a hamstring problem, an issue that could rule him out for the final weeks of the campaign.
At 33, Salah is approaching the end of his current spell with Liverpool, with reports indicating he is set to leave the club at the conclusion of the season after nine years at Anfield. As a result, the injury has prompted speculation that he may have already played his final match for the club.
Van Dijk: “I hope so”
Speaking after the match, Liverpool captain Van Dijk said he remains hopeful that Salah will return before the season concludes, though he acknowledged that the situation remains unclear pending medical assessments.
“Will we see him again this season? I hope so. He will undergo a medical examination, and then the type of injury will be determined. I know he is doing his best to return to the field as soon as possible.”
The Dutch defender suggested that injuries at this stage of the campaign can be particularly difficult for players, especially those facing uncertainty over their immediate future.
“If a player gets injured at this time of the season, especially in his current situation, with only two home games left, he has mixed feelings when he leaves the field.”
Awaiting medical clarity
Van Dijk emphasised that the extent of Salah’s absence will only become clear after further tests, declining to speculate on a timeline for his recovery.
“The truth is that he will undergo tests and assessments, and we hope that his absence will not be prolonged, but I do not know at this stage, perhaps he will return next week, perhaps not, I do not know.”
Despite growing discussion about Salah’s possible departure, Van Dijk insisted that the focus should remain on the present rather than future farewells.
“He will be bid farewell anyway. I don’t think that’s what’s important now. We shouldn’t think about the distant future. I know Mohamed Salah ; he’s recovering quickly with the right people around him. Let’s wait and see.”
Final weeks take on added significance
With only two home games remaining, Liverpool now face a period of uncertainty as they await updates on one of their key players. Salah’s potential absence could have implications not only for the club’s on-field performance but also for how his time at Anfield concludes.
For now, attention turns to the results of medical examinations, which will determine whether Salah can make a return before the campaign draws to a close.
