Slot backs Liverpool to rise despite Salah blow ahead of Man Utd clash

Slot confirmed that star forward Mohamed Salah will miss the clash at Old Trafford through injury, although the Dutchman expects the Egyptian to return before the end of the season.

"As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible," Slot said. "We expect him to be back for the final part of the season but not for Sunday."

The Liverpool manager was relieved Salah's injury was not serious and said the forward still deserved a proper farewell if he leaves the club this summer.

"If ever there was a player that deserves a big send-off, it is definitely Mo," he added.

Slot also praised Curtis Jones for adapting to an unfamiliar right-back role during Liverpool's injury crisis.

"Very well. Not perfect, which is completely normal, but very well," Slot said. "He has hardly played in that position in his career. The way he does it is a big compliment."

Liverpool's growing injury list remains a major concern, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker still unavailable but edging closer to a return.

"Ali has not trained with us yet. He is very close," Slot explained. "We never want to take a risk with a player."

Despite recent victories, Slot made it clear he expects much more from his team.

"We can be on a much higher level than we are now," he said. "In the last three games I would not say we did not deserve to win, but we were luckier than we have ever been this season. This team is capable of much more."

The Liverpool boss also pointed to missed chances as one of the club's biggest problems this season, while welcoming the return of striker Alexander Isak.

"Some other players haven't scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to," Slot said. "The sooner that changes, the better."

Slot expects a difficult challenge against a Manchester United side he believes has improved significantly under Michael Carrick.

"We always know that they are really good but now they are showing it in the league table," he said. "Under Michael Carrick, they have become more consistent in their results."

Liverpool can move closer to securing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification with victory at Old Trafford, but Slot insisted the club's ambitions remain higher.

"We wanted to win the league. That is not possible, so we are trying to finish as high as possible," he said. "That is something we are going to try again on Sunday."