Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on May 14 that Mohamed Salah will be fit to feature for a few minutes in their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa on May 15 at Villa Park [1, 2]. Salah has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury during a 3-1 league win over Crystal Palace last month but Liverpool later confirmed the injury was less serious than initially feared [1, 2]. Slot said, "Mo (Salah) will be available tomorrow but only for a few minutes. Hopefully he can come in" [1].
The match holds crucial significance as Liverpool and Aston Villa are level on 59 points and Liverpool sit fourth in the table entering the game [1, 2]. A win for Liverpool would secure them a Champions League place for next season [1, 2].
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker trained with the squad ahead of the fixture, though his availability was set to be assessed on match day [1, 2]. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who has been on Liverpool’s radar, missed training after a stomach infection requiring antibiotics, placing his readiness for the fixture in doubt [1, 2].
Liverpool have not added silverware this season after their Premier League triumph last term. Slot acknowledged the challenges, saying, "If you don't have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season. Then it is normal that criticism comes, and we've all had our share" [2].
Despite the pressure, Slot expressed confidence in his role, stating, "I don't think I am deciding that myself alone. I have every reason to believe that I am the Liverpool manager next season" [1].
Liverpool will conclude their Premier League campaign hosting Brentford on May 24 [1, 2].