Arne Slot Confirms Mohamed Salah Fitness for Manchester City FA Cup Clash Following Exit Announcement

Arne Slot discusses Mo Salah's fitness and exit announcement ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Man City. Plus, injury updates on Alisson and Isak.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 5:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Liverpool FC

Talismanic Forward Returns for High Stakes Quarter-Final

The Merseyside club has received a significant boost ahead of their trip to Manchester with the return of Mohamed Salah to full first-team training. After a period on the sidelines due to injury, the Egyptian international has been cleared for selection in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff. The timing of his return is particularly poignant, as it follows his public confirmation that the 2025-26 campaign will serve as his final season with the Reds. Manager Arne Slot noted that Salah’s availability remains a cornerstone of the team’s tactical approach, praising the attacker's consistent ability to maintain peak physical condition throughout his eight-year tenure at the club.

Squad Resilience Tested by Congested Fixture List

Liverpool’s recent form has been characterized by a struggle to maintain consistency across multiple competitions, a challenge Slot attributes to the sheer volume of matches. The manager reflected on previous setbacks, such as the Brighton fixture, where the sudden absence of Alisson Becker and Salah coincided with mid-game injuries to players like Hugo Ekitike. Slot argued that the team’s biggest hurdle this season has not been the quality of the opposition, but the limited recovery time between high-intensity fixtures. However, he expressed optimism that the squad is now better acclimated to the rigorous schedule than they were during the first half of the season.

Addressing Defensive Deficits at the Etihad Stadium

The upcoming FA Cup tie provides Liverpool with an opportunity to avenge a heavy 3-0 defeat suffered at the Etihad earlier this season. Slot acknowledged that Manchester City were the superior side during that encounter, specifically dominating the opening half. To secure a different result, the manager emphasized the critical importance of gaining an early lead and maintaining a positive balance in set-piece situations. While Liverpool showed progress in their recent home draw against City at Anfield, Slot underscored that demonstrating the same level of ball possession and control in an away environment remains the ultimate test of the team's tactical evolution.