The collective exhale from Liverpool supporters could probably be heard across Merseyside after scans confirmed Mohamed Salah has avoided a serious hamstring injury.

When the Egyptian limped off during Saturday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, afforded a standing ovation as he left the pitch slowly, there were genuine fears we might have witnessed his final contribution in a Liverpool shirt. The manner of his departure suggested something significant, something that could have robbed both Salah and the supporters of a proper farewell.

Those concerns have been put to rest. Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday evening that subsequent scans revealed only a minor muscle injury rather than the hamstring tear that many had feared. It's the kind of news that transforms what looked like a cruel twist of fate into merely an inconvenient setback.

The 33-year-old will miss this Sunday's trip to Manchester United and almost certainly the visit of his former club Chelsea the following Saturday. That's frustrating timing as Liverpool chase the five points needed to guarantee a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, but it could have been so much worse.

The expectation now is that Salah will be available for at least some of Liverpool's remaining fixtures. The Reds travel to Aston Villa in what's currently scheduled for Sunday, May 17, though that could be brought forward two days if Villa reach the Europa League final.

Most importantly for the emotional side of things, Salah should be fit for the season finale against Brentford at Anfield on Sunday, May 24. That's where both he and Andy Robertson will feature for the final time, having both announced their summer departures after years of service to the club.

For Salah, it would mean the chance to say goodbye properly at Anfield after nine years that have redefined what it means to be a Liverpool forward. The thought of that opportunity being snatched away by injury in the dying weeks of the season would have been particularly cruel.

The news also provides relief for Egypt, who will have their captain available for the upcoming World Cup. The Pharaohs face Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G, and having Salah fit and firing will be crucial to their hopes.

This injury scare serves as a reminder of just how precious these final few weeks are becoming. Every appearance now carries extra weight, every moment at Anfield feels more significant. The fact that Salah will get his proper send-off, that supporters will get their chance to show their appreciation one more time, feels like the football gods showing a rare moment of mercy.

With the immediate panic over, attention turns to managing his return carefully and ensuring he's ready when Liverpool need him most in these crucial final matches.