WHAT CAN I SAY?
Sizzling Salah leaves Henderson speechless
JORDAN HENDERSON is running out of superlatives for Mo Salah but hopes the Liverpool forward keeps producing his breathtaking form.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are right in the mix to win the Premier League this season thanks to the Egyptian king, who inspired the five-goal drubbing of Manchester United on Sunday. Salah has scored for 10 games in a row, with Burnley the only team to somehow shackle the Reds superstar this term. And on Sunday he became the first player since Brazilian Ronaldo in 2003 to score a hat-trick for the visiting side at Old Trafford. “Incredible,” said skipper Henderson, when asked about
Salah’s sensational form. “Nothing really I can add but he is a special player.
“Hopefully he can stay in this run of games for a long, long time and keep scoring goals, keep working hard and keep playing the way he is because he is a big bonus for us at the minute.”
Salah’s contract is the hot topic on Merseyside, with his deal expiring in 2023.
Whatever he wants to sign a new contract, then surely the club’s owners FSG must deliver unless it is beyond the realms of possibility.
Liverpool will have to contend without Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita during the Africa Cup of Nations.
But, owing to the FA Cup schedule, they could get away with losing the trio for just two Premier League games – against Brentford and Crystal Palace.
A more pressing concern over Keita is the injury he suffered against United from Paul Pogba’s nasty challenge.
The midfielder took a blow to the
shin and Liverpool will learn the extent of the problem today.
They will also be nervously awaiting news on the fitness of James Milner, who came off with a hamstring problem.
Fabinho missed the win over United through injury, with Harvey Elliott a long-term absentee, meaning the Reds’ midfield options are dwindling.
Alex Oxlade-chamberlain will be champing at the bit to impress and could start tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup clash with Preston at Deepdale.
The former Arsenal man may then be needed for the visit of Brighton on Saturday.
The Reds will go into the game looking to keep on the tails of leaders Chelsea after their hammering of United made sure this will be a threehorse race for the title along with Manchester City.
“It was a good day,” added Henderson. “Old Trafford is a tough place to come.
“A great performance and a clean sheet, which is really important for us.”