Madras Times - Liverpool close on Champions League but may have seen last of Salah

Salah limped off in the second half at Anfield holding his hamstring with less than a month of his glittering career with the Reds remaining.

Two goals in five minutes just before half-time tightened the grip of Arne Slot's men on a top-five finish.

British transfer record signing Alexander Isak scored his first goal since returning from a leg break as he turned home on the rebound after Alexis MacAllister's initial effort was blocked.

Andy Robertson then marked one of his final appearances at Anfield with a fine finish at the end of a lethal Liverpool counter-attack after third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman had denied Palace an equaliser.

Salah went to ground just before the hour mark holding the back of his left leg and was given a standing ovation as he made way for Jeremie Frimpong.

Daniel Munoz reduced the Eagles' arrears despite Liverpool appeals for a foul on Woodman 19 minutes from time.

But Florian Wirtz secured the three points deep into stoppage time with just his fifth Premier League goal since a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Victory moves Liverpool up to fourth and opens up an eight-point lead on sixth-placed Brighton with just four games of the season remaining.

V.Chauhan--MT