Virgil van Dijk has expressed confidence that Mohamed Salah will receive a fitting send-off at Anfield, even as uncertainty surrounds the forward’s fitness following a recent injury setback.
Salah was forced off during Liverpool FC’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury. Head coach Arne Slot has since indicated that it remains unclear whether the Egyptian forward will return before the end of the season.
The 33-year-old is expected to undergo medical scans to determine the severity of the injury, with Liverpool facing just four matches remaining in the campaign.
Van Dijk, speaking after the match, said he remains hopeful his teammate will recover in time to feature again.
“I hope so. There will be a medical assessment and then that will determine what the issue is going to be. I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible,” he said.
Liverpool are scheduled to face Manchester United at Old Trafford next, followed by fixtures against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Brentford. The final home match of the season against Brentford had been widely expected to mark Salah’s farewell appearance for the club.
Reflecting on the situation, Van Dijk acknowledged the emotional weight of the injury at such a crucial stage.
“If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there are only two more home games left. It’s a combination of feelings when you go off,” he said.
Salah, who is the third-highest scorer in Liverpool’s history with 257 goals in 440 appearances, has enjoyed a decorated spell at the club, including a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2019 and two Premier League titles.
Despite uncertainty over his return, Van Dijk insisted the forward’s legacy at Anfield is secure.
“He will get the send-off regardless. Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer. Let’s see what happens,” he noted.
Salah’s potential absence would be a significant blow to Liverpool as they look to close out the season strongly, while fans await clarity on whether they will see the club legend in action one last time.