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Steve Nicol names one player without whom Liverpool cannot win the league this season

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By Shrishh Attavar

Steve Nicol says Liverpool cannot win the Premier League without Mohamed Salah playing

In the unpredictable world of football, where the tide can turn with a single injury, Liverpool finds themselves grappling with the unsettling prospect of navigating the title race without the prolific Mohamed Salah. The recent sight of Salah exiting the field during Egypt’s AFCON clash against Ghana sent ripples of concern through the Liverpool faithful, prompting discussions on the potential impact on their Premier League ambitions.

Concerning that, former Liverpool man Steve Nicol expressed a sentiment shared by many – the pivotal role Salah plays in the Reds’ pursuit of glory. Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol highlighted the potential ramifications of an extended absence for the Egyptian maestro, suggesting that Liverpool’s Premier League aspirations could hinge on Salah’s swift return.

“If Liverpool can cope throughout this tournament without him until he comes back and they win the Premier League, great, but Liverpool don’t win the Premier League if Mo Salah can’t play,”

The scenario brings forth a familiar dilemma for top-tier clubs – the delicate balance between international commitments and the demands of domestic competitions. While the AFCON provides a stage for African talents to shine, it introduces a layer of complexity for clubs heavily reliant on their star players. Plus the fact that the competition is in the middle of the season is frustrating for clubs to say the least; but understandable given how the the temperatures rise during the summer break in the continent, making it next to impossible to play.

Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury in Egypt's clash against Ghana.
Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury in Egypt’s clash against Ghana.

For Liverpool, Salah represents more than just a prolific goal-scorer. He has been creating so many chances of late and has been contributing to the club’s cause on multiple fronts. In 27 appearances across all competitions, he has 18 goals and nine assists to boot.

Mo’s (almost) never injured!

The prospect of navigating the Premier League without his electric presence raises questions about the adaptability and depth of Jurgen Klopp’s squad. We have no other natural right-winger in the squad, but the likes of Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai can put in a shift in Mo’s absence. Luis Diaz can also play on the right flank.

As important as ever.
As important as ever.

As we await further updates on Salah’s condition, Liverpool find themselves at a critical juncture. The depth of their squad, the resilience of their other key players, and Klopp’s tactical ingenuity will all come under scrutiny in Salah’s potential absence.

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In this safari of football, where the unexpected is the norm, Liverpool’s title dreams remain alive, albeit with a dash of uncertainty. Kevin de Bruyne’s return from an injury layoff for Man City and Salah getting injured all at the wrong time might just make it tougher than it actually is for the Reds to clinch the historic 20th.