Mohamed Salah limped off with a hamstring injury during Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, raising fears he may have played his final game for the club. The Egyptian star, whose contract expires this summer, applauded all four sides of Anfield before heading straight down the tunnel.
Slot Uncertain on Salah's Return
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted uncertainty over the severity of the injury. "We don't know," Slot said. "But the season ends in four or five weeks, so there aren't many games left. Mo has taken excellent care of his body, so he needs minimal recovery time. Let's hope for the best."
Fan Protests Over Ticket Prices
The match also saw widespread protests against Liverpool's decision to increase ticket prices by around 13% over three seasons. Fans brandished yellow cards and chanted "You greedy bastards, enough is enough" directed at owners Fenway Sports Group.
Match Report: Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Liverpool with his first league goal at Anfield, finishing from close range after a scramble. Andy Robertson doubled the lead with a clinical counterattack finish, set up by Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konaté.
Crystal Palace pulled one back controversially when Daniel Muñoz scored into an empty net after Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman went down injured. Despite appeals, the goal stood, sparking heated exchanges between the benches.
Florian Wirtz sealed the win with a superb stoppage-time strike, ensuring Liverpool moved fourth in the Premier League table.
Woodman Impresses on Debut
Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, making his first league start for Liverpool, made several excellent saves before his injury. He received lengthy treatment but continued after Palace's equalizer.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner defended Muñoz's decision to shoot, saying, "To demand the referee stop the game can be dangerous for football. If a goalkeeper saves and then stops, it would end the second phase."
Liverpool's win lifts them closer to Champions League qualification, but the injury to Salah and fan unrest cast a shadow over the victory.
