In the aftermath of Liverpool F.C.’s dominant 4-0 win over Galatasaray S.K. in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg at Anfield on March 18, 2026, manager Arne Slot delivered a worrying update about one of his star players. He confirmed that Mohamed Salah sustained a serious injury during the match and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Speaking after the game, Slot revealed that Salah felt a tear when he went down but initially tried to play through the pain. “He told me he felt something go but kept pushing until it became too much. The doctors have now confirmed it’s serious, which is tough news. I’ll go see him personally to understand the full extent,” Slot said, his concern evident despite the team’s emphatic 4-1 aggregate victory.
The injury happened around the 75th minute, with Liverpool already comfortably ahead. Salah, who had earlier scored with a trademark left-footed effort, went down awkwardly while tracking back and clutched his hamstring before signaling for a substitution. Known for his toughness, the forward briefly attempted to continue before finally coming off.
Slot emphasized Salah’s determination, noting that he tried to carry on for the team despite the discomfort. However, scans later indicated significant damage, with early assessments pointing to a grade 2 or 3 hamstring tear. While full details are still pending, the initial outlook suggests he could be out for several weeks, possibly months.
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the season. Salah has been in outstanding form, scoring over 20 goals and playing a key role in Liverpool’s European run. His absence means he is likely to miss important fixtures, including the upcoming league clash with Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and a potential quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
Liverpool’s victory itself was a commanding performance. After losing the first leg, they responded strongly, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and Salah sealing progression. However, the celebratory mood was dampened by the injury blow.
Slot praised Salah’s leadership, highlighting how even in pain he tried to stay on the pitch. Medical expectations suggest a recovery period of several weeks at minimum, with careful rehabilitation needed given Salah’s reliance on speed and agility.
With Liverpool pushing for a top-four finish and progressing in Europe, Slot may now turn to players like Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, or Diogo Jota to fill the gap. Meanwhile, fans have flooded social media with messages of support, expressing hope that Salah will return soon.
Despite the setback, Slot remains optimistic, stressing that the squad must step up in Salah’s absence. While the victory keeps Liverpool’s momentum alive, losing their talisman is a major blow as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
