Injury won’t stop Mohamed Salah from getting fitting farewell – Virgil van Dijk

By Carl Markham, Press Association

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Mohamed Salah will still get the send-off he deserves, even if he has played his final match for the club.

The Egypt forward was forced off with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace and, with only four games of the season remaining, the 33-year-old may not get the chance to don the red shirt again before his departure in the summer.

Liverpool are awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the problem and, while it would be disappointing for Salah were he not able to say his farewells on the pitch – Brentford are the visitors on the final day of the campaign – Van Dijk said that would not diminish the adulation which would come his way.

“I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible,” said the centre-back.

“If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there is only two more home games left for him, it’s a combination of feelings that go through your mind.

“Hopefully he won’t be long. Maybe he’s back next week, maybe not. I have no idea.

“He will get the send-off regardless. I don’t think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn’t think too far ahead.

“Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him and let’s see.”

Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances since his arrival in 2017 and only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have scored more in the club’s history.

During his time at the club he has been integral to the success which has seen them win the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup.

He has won the PFA Player of the Year award three times and the Premier League Golden Boot four.