Liverpool's Mohamed Salah applauds the fans as he is substituted after sustaining an injury against Manchester City (Reuters)
Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp insisted that Mo Salah will not be risked against Everton in Saturday’s Merseyside derby if he is not 100 percent fit.
The Egyptian winger limped off early in the second half of Liverpool’s 3-0 home win over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday due to what appeared a groin injury.
His condition is still assessed by Liverpool’s medical team as they try to prepare him for the derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
“I don’t think it makes sense to talk here about what we do with the boys in rehab. But, of course, you can imagine we have tried everything to make him available,” said Klopp at his pre-match press conference.
“[There are] still 24 hours to go pretty much, or 23 hours to go until we start. So let’s see what happens. I cannot make Mo available because it’s the derby, I would never do it. It’s not possible. I don’t think any of our supporters want us to do that.
“If he is a doubt, he will not be involved. That’s how it is with all of them; if they are not 100 per cent fit they cannot be involved. I would not rest a player with absolutely nothing, with no problem,” the German coach added.
Salah is vying for the Premier League top scorer award with Harry Kane. He currently tops the chart with 29 goals, five ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur striker with six matches remaining.
The goals the effervescent Salah has scored so far includes a brilliant individual effort in the 1-1 draw with Everton in the reverse Premier League fixture last October.
“That’s our situation. We are used to playing every three days, that’s not the problem. It’s nothing to do with Mo or any other player – it would always be the same decision,” Klopp said of Salah’s possible participation against Everton.
“If you are available you are involved; if you are not available you’re not involved.”
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