Salah’s Shocking Farewell: Will This FA Cup Clash Against Man City Be His Last Liverpool Game?

Mohamed Salah's farewell season at Liverpool kicks into high gear this Saturday as the team faces Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. This tournament represents Salah's best opportunity to add another trophy to his collection before departing Anfield after nine remarkable years. The Egyptian winger, who has amassed an impressive 255 goals in 435 appearances for the club, announced just last week that he plans to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.

As the clock ticks down on his time with the Reds, Salah has potentially just 15 matches left to play: seven in the Premier League, three in the FA Cup, and five in the Champions League, assuming Liverpool progresses deep into both competitions. The task is formidable, particularly as they gear up to take on the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Champions League quarterfinals, and now face a daunting away match at Manchester City in the FA Cup.

Salah, who missed Liverpool's last outing—a disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton due to a muscle injury—has informed manager Arne Slot that he expects to return to full fitness in time for the crucial match against City. “He just does so much for his body for such a long time that he recovers so fast," Slot remarked on Wednesday. “So, he will train with the team again tomorrow, and if everything works well, then he’s available to be with us at City.”

This season has not been without its challenges for Salah. The 33-year-old was left out of the Liverpool team for four consecutive matches at the end of 2025, raising questions about his relationship with Slot and the club. However, since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has been a key figure in the lineup, seemingly regaining the confidence of the Dutch coach. “That hunger never drops,” Slot noted. "It's the thing I find most special about him. So many good players around the world—he's definitely one of them in the last 10 years—and to show that hunger every three days, that professionalism, that commitment to the club and to the team, wanting to score again, always wanting to play.”

As Liverpool prepares for their clash, Manchester City enters the match seeking a domestic cup double after their victory over Arsenal in the English League Cup final on March 22. City is also in a tight race with Arsenal for the Premier League title, making this weekend's FA Cup action all the more significant.

Key Matchups and Players to Watch

In addition to the City-Liverpool showdown, the FA Cup quarterfinals feature several intriguing matchups. Chelsea hosts third-tier Port Vale—the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition—while Arsenal travels to face second-tier Southampton. On Sunday, West Ham will host Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter.

For City, midfielder Phil Foden is a player to keep an eye on. He has less than two months to prove himself worthy of a place in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup. Foden has recently struggled for form, starting both of England’s friendly games—one a draw against Uruguay and the other a loss to Japan—without making a significant impact. As a former English soccer player of the year, he will need to find his rhythm quickly.

On the opposite end, Arsenal's team sheet for their match against Southampton will be under scrutiny, as ten players were sidelined during the international break for various reasons. Notably, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard missed the League Cup final due to injuries, while several others, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, withdrew from international duties. This situation raises concerns about the team's depth and readiness for the upcoming challenge.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere at Chelsea appears to be tense. Recent comments from key players like Enzo Fernandez, who expressed uncertainty over his future at the club, and Marc Cucurella, who hinted at a preference for the stability of a previous coaching regime, reveal discontent within the squad. Current head coach Liam Rosenior is under immense pressure, having witnessed the team suffer four straight defeats.

As Salah embarks on his final chapter with Liverpool, the stakes couldn't be higher. His performance against Manchester City may not only determine the club's fate in the FA Cup but also serve as a poignant reminder of the impact he has had during his tenure at one of England's most storied clubs.