(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 3 April 2026 13:30, UK

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Mohamed Salah is set to return to the Liverpool starting XI for their FA Cup clash away at Manchester City on Saturday.

The Egyptian missed the defeat away at Brighton in the final games before the international break, but has been training with the team this week, with Arne Slot hinting at an imminent return.

That could come this weekend when the Reds travel to the Etihad Stadium, as they look to book their place in the semi-final of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign.

The Merseysiders quickly saw their defence of the Premier League title falter earlier in the season, leaving the cup and the Champions League as their final remaining chances to avoid a trophyless season.

With that in mind, Slot is set to name a strong XI for Liverpool’s trip to face City, as the Dutchman sets his sights on trying to eliminate Pep Guardiola’s men.

Curtis Jones the answer to right-back issue

Liverpool are already dealing with the absences of several players due to long-term injuries, and their availability situation worsened again during the international break.

They may be ready to welcome Salah back into the fold this weekend, but they are set to be without Jeremie Frimpong, after he was taken off the pitch after just 14 minutes in the Netherlands’ clash on Tuesday night.

That leaves Slot with a problem to contend with at right-back yet again, and he may opt for Curtis Jones to fulfil the responsibility there on this occasion.

Both he and Dominik Szoboszlai have been used as makeshift options there of late, but with the Hungarian currently in fine form and a real driver behind the team’s attacking play, the boss is surely likely to do everything that he can to keep him in the advanced midfield role.

The only other change from that defeat to Brighton is likely to see Salah return in place of Cody Gakpo, as Slot reverts back to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to continue in goal, with Alisson not yet due to return from his own injury absence.

Weather warning in place for Man City vs Liverpool

The Met Office have issued a weather warning that is in place for Liverpool’s clash with Man City, as Storm Dave is set to hit the north of England this weekend.

A yellow warning for high winds is in place across the North West on Saturday afternoon, and while the game itself will be unaffected, it could make for some interesting conditions at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool supporters travelling to the game must be warned of the potential for travel disruptions on the way back after full-time, given that delays on the roads are expected.

They will be hoping that it is a happy trip back home after the full-time whistle, rather than a third defeat of the season to Guardiola’s side.