London, 14 May (H.S.): Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah can make a return in the Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Team head coach Arne Slot confirmed on Thursday that Mohamed Salah will be available for Friday's match against Aston Villa, but he will only play a few minutes. It is expected that he will take the field. Slot also provided updates on the fitness of other team players. He stated that goalkeeper Alisson Becker has begun training with the team, but the final decision on his participation will be taken before the match. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz is battling a stomach infection and is on antibiotics.

Responding to questions about his future, Slot said, “I am fully confident that I will remain Liverpool's manager next season as well. I have a contract with the club, and our discussions with the club have been positive. When you don't win the league, criticism is natural, and we must accept it.”

Mohamed Salah had gone off the field due to a hamstring injury during last month's match against Crystal Palace. Subsequently, there were apprehensions that his season might end, and possibly his Liverpool career as well, as discussions were ongoing about the Egyptian star player leaving the club at the end of the season. However, the club later clarified that his injury was not as serious as initially feared.

In the Premier League points table, both Liverpool and Aston Villa are on 59 points, placed fourth and fifth respectively. If Liverpool wins this match, it can almost secure its place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

However, Liverpool has not performed as expected this season and remained far from any major titles. After failing to repeat last season's success, questions have also arisen about coach Arne Slot's future. Liverpool's final league match of this season will be against Brentford on May 24.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar