
Liverpool secured a 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz proving decisive for Arne Slot’s side.
Daniel Muñoz scored Palace’s goal in strange circumstances, as he kicked the ball into an empty net after Freddie Woodman was seen signalling that he was injured and could not get to his feet before the full-back let fly.
The Reds’ players appeared to stop, believing the referee would signal for Woodman to receive treatment for his knee or that the Palace full-back would kick the ball out of play in an act of sportsmanship.
However, there is no requirement for the referee to stop play unless it is a head injury, and Palace were entitled to continue unless the officials signalled otherwise.
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There was a feeling of anger and frustration around Anfield following this and upon seeing the reaction of CEO Billy Hogan to their protest about the rise in ticket prices during the 13th minute.
Fans of the Reds will have had a rollercoaster of emotions this afternoon as they may have witnessed the last time that Mohamed Salah pulls on a Liverpool shirt at Anfield.
The Egyptian international was forced off the pitch with what appeared to be a hamstring injury as he clutched that area of his body before being substituted midway through the second half, which will have been a worrying gesture to Slot as he knows the importance of his attacker in their hunt for Champions League qualification.
Salah signalled that he may believe this to be his last game for Liverpool as he reciprocated the wild and appreciative clap from the Anfield crowd as he walked off the pitch.
Egypt have been drawn in the same group as Belgium, Iran and New Zealand for the World Cup this summer, with it set to kick off in seven weeks, and Salah will want to be fully fit for this competition.
This may suggest that he has played his final minutes for the Reds, as he will need to get the injury assessed and go through the rehabilitation and rest period before attempting to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup but without risking missing the international competition.
It will not have been the way Salah would have wanted to end his Liverpool career, in which he has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League, breaking several records in the process.
So, if he has a chance to return to Liverpool action and give the supporters a more fitting send-off, it is likely he will try.
Arne Slot’s update on Mohamed Salah’s injury
The body language from Slot and Salah did not appear to be positive as the Egyptian made his way off the pitch.
Their short discussion on the sideline was quick, but it would surely have been purposeful as the Dutch manager looked to see how Salah felt and if he believed this was the end of his season.
During his post-match interview, Slot addressed the injury and gave an update, as he said: “Another win and another injury. It's the story of our season. It's too early to say, but we all know Mo and how hard it is for him to leave the pitch. For Mo to leave the pitch, it shows you something, but we have to wait and see how bad it is.”
This answer will not have filled Liverpool fans with confidence that they will see one of the greatest players to have ever played for the club will make one more appearance for the Reds.
Salah may have to say his farewells not on the pitch but as the team gives its thanks to the fans for their support at the end of the campaign when they face Brentford.
The Egypt international will need to be selfish if he is to make the World Cup, which is surely going to be his last appearance at this competition this summer.
Topics: Arne Slot, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Premier League, Injury, Anfield, Football