Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is not keen on starting Mohammed Salah in the final game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Egyptian superstar went off injured in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. He wasn’t named in the lineup against Southampton either.
Salah has been in sensational form this season. He leads the goals and assists charts as of now. However, Tottenham forward Heung-Min Son is just one goal away and faces Norwich on Sunday. By not playing Salah, Klopp may prevent his star man from personal glory. But with a Champions League final coming in a week, The German tactician is probably looking at the bigger picture. Having his best player at 100% in a game where Liverpool perhaps have a greater chance of silverware is the wiser option. Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Klopp said:
“I actually understand 100 per cent the goalscoring battle with Heung-min Son but we have no chance that we take any risks. But Mo doesn’t want to take any risks, there is no doubt about that.”
Will The Absence Of Salah Be A Concern?
Liverpool have plenty of firepower in their ranks to cover for Salah’s absence. Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota are all top-class players who have contributed significantly this season. Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi to have chipped in with goals, with the former scoring a crucial equalizer midweek against the Saints. The return of Brazilian Roberto Firmino is another bonus for the Reds. A win over Wolves should not be a tough ask given the calibre of these attackers.
Liverpool are currently a point behind Manchester City. City host Villa in their final game of the season. City dropping points and a Liverpool win will get them their 20th League title. However, it is perhaps unlikely that City slip up, and Liverpool will easily mitigate the absence of Salah with the other options they have. With a chance to settle scores with Real Madrid, Mohammed Salah would not mind risking a golden boot for another Champions League in his cabinet.
