INJURED OX OUT OF THE WORLD CUP
approaches for Salah and his remarkable form since — he has scored seven times in his last six appearances, including Tuesday’s double against Roma — has strengthened their resolve. Liverpool want to keep Jurgen Klopp’s side together and Salah is central to that. They are also committed to agreeing a new deal with Roberto Firmino, who, like Salah, scored twice in the 5-2 victory over Roma in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday. There are plans to overhaul Madrid’s squad but the fact that Salah has no buy-out clause in his contract complicates their pursuit. A move for the 25-year-old would also affect Real’s transfer-market priority: signing Neymar, who seems unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain. The forward has not been seen in Paris since February, when he returned to Brazil after breaking a bone in his foot. Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss the World Cup this summer after injuring his right knee against Roma. The midfielder was taken off on a stretcher in the first half after challenging Aleksandar Kolarov and a scan yesterday revealed a knee-ligament injury. ‘I’m absolutely devastated to have picked up this injury at such a crucial time,’ said the 24-year-old. ‘I’m gutted I won’t be able to play any further part now in our Champions League run for Liverpool, and also the World Cup with England. But now it’s all about getting behind the boys.’ Oxlade-Chamberlain sent his best wishes to Sean Cox, the Liverpool supporter left in a critical condition after being attacked before Tuesday’s match at Anfield. ‘(My misfortune) pales in comparison to how the family of the Liverpool fan badly hurt before last night’s game must be feeling,’ said Oxlade-Chamberlain. ‘My thoughts are with him and his loved ones.’