Paul Merson has made it clear to Liverpool and Arne Slott that they cannot afford to lose Mo Salah to injury this season.
The Sky Sports expert has been impressed by the Egypt international’s form this season. This is understandable, considering the winger has already contributed 11 goals in nine games (across all competitions).
“Mohamed Salah continued his heroics in midweek against Bologna in the Champions League.” The former Arsenal star wrote for: It’s a sports kid.
“I think it would be a nightmare for Liverpool to lose him in this form. It’s impossible to replace someone like him.”
Alarm bells were raised when the former Roma wide man suffered a hamstring injury during Egypt’s draw with Ghana in January and was ruled out for a month. Of greater concern is the sudden decline in Salah’s goal contributions and performance levels after leaving the treatment room.
In the 11 Premier League matches the forward has been involved in since returning to the pitch, he has scored three goals and provided one assist. The sharp decline from his 24-goal contribution tallied in his first 21 top-flight appearances that season.
But fast forward to 2024/25 and any persistent doubts about the AFCON star’s form have long since disappeared.
Paul Merson says Liverpool should not start Cody Gakpo against Crystal Palace.
Paul Merson has suggested Arne Slot should keep faith in Luis Diaz despite playing the majority of minutes on offer this season (528).
Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo (signed from PSV for £44m) has been limited to cameo appearances in the league, with more intensity between the Carabao Cup and Champions League (293 minutes).
“Actually, I would pick Luis Diaz over Cody Gakpo in this match. Palace are not the biggest team in terms of height so I think Gakpo’s physical presence is not really what she needs.” Merson went on to add:
At this early stage in the campaign, we think the new manager will be willing to take that advice.
Aside from appearances against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth at the start of the 2024/25 season, Slot has remained a consistent starting XI in the Premier League.
With United sitting top of the table, you could forgive the 46-year-old for adopting a ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach during Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park. .
