Liverpool are optimistic that star forward Mohamed Salah could make a timely return from injury for the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester City this Saturday. The Egypt international has shown positive signs in his recovery during the international break, raising hopes for his involvement in a crucial match at the Etihad Stadium.
Salah's Injury and Recovery Progress
Salah sustained a muscle problem in Liverpool's Champions League victory over Galatasaray, which forced him to miss the subsequent Premier League defeat at Brighton. The 33-year-old, who recently announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, also sat out Egypt's friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Spain. However, medical reports indicate that Salah has responded well to treatment, with club sources expressing confidence in his availability for the upcoming fixture.
Other Liverpool Fitness Updates
In other team news, Alexander Isak may be nearing a comeback after fracturing his leg in December against Tottenham. While the FA Cup match is a possibility, the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday is viewed as a more realistic target for his return. The £125 million British-record signing is set to resume team training this week.
Goalkeeper Alisson, however, remains a major doubt due to a hamstring injury picked up before the Brighton game. The 33-year-old has a history of recurring hamstring issues and is unlikely to feature in the trip to Parc des Princes, where he delivered a standout performance last season.
Wirtz Reflects on Adaptation Challenges
Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz has opened up about his struggles since joining Liverpool in a club-record £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. The Germany international has managed only four goals and two assists in the Premier League but believes the experience has strengthened him. In an interview with Sportschau, Wirtz stated, "It wasn't an easy phase, but overcoming resistance has made me a bit stronger and helped me adapt to English football's physical demands."
As Liverpool prepare for a defining sequence of fixtures, Salah's potential return could provide a significant boost in their pursuit of silverware this season.
