The groundbreaking Mohamed Salah decision that will delight fans ahead of the Liverpool vs Chelsea game

Liverpool have been handed a massive boost ahead of their game against Chelsea next weekend, as their star man has been allowed to return to the club earlier than most. The Egyptian forward flew to his home country to help with the AFCON qualifiers but was granted permission to head back to Liverpool due to concerns over the state of the pitch.

Egypt's manager, Hossam Hassan, confirmed that Salah had returned to Merseyside ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier due to concerns about Mauritania's artificial turf. Hassan was also worried about Salah getting injured, describing Mauritania as a team with "violent interventions."

“If any player asks me not to play on artificial turf, I will agree. The Mauritanian team plays hard and with violent interventions, and their field is not the best. If Salah specifically asks me to do so, I will agree.”

Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table, having lost only once, with Salah leading the line—though in a different capacity than he did under Jürgen Klopp. He has adapted well to the new manager's style and is playing different roles while remaining highly effective.

Salah has four goals and three assists in the first seven games, making life easier for the manager and contributing to the great atmosphere that is helping the team thrive.

Salah’s Contract Situation

Doubts still hang over Salah’s long-term future, as his contract is set to expire next summer. While not much has changed on the field, reports in Spain suggest he could move to Real Madrid when his contract ends.

Salah will undoubtedly end up as one of the best African players to have played in the Premier League, and he is also among the best in the history of Liverpool. If this season is to be his last at Anfield, he would love to finish on a high and help the team win something before he calls it a day. There are a couple of players in a similar situation to Salah, including Virgil van Dijk, and the feeling is that both are looking to see what life under Arne Slot will be like before committing to their futures.

Liverpool vs Chelsea: A Big Test

Chelsea will provide Liverpool with a massive test, having remained unbeaten since the opening day of the Premier League season against Manchester City. However, Anfield is a very tough place to visit, and this game will reveal where both teams stand as they head into what is expected to be a riveting campaign.