Liverpool pay rise predicted as Alan Shearer doubles down on Mo Salah contract

Alan Shearer heaped praise on Liverpool's medical team for their unsung role in the Premier League title race.

Despite concerns over the future commitments of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool are soaring high, sitting 13 points clear at the top of the table under Arne Slot's leadership. Fans will be hoping they keep ahold of their prized assets.

According to Newcastle legend Shearer, that should include the medical staff who also deserve financial recognition for their role in the team's success. While the likes of Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have missed games due to injury, the ability to keep indispensable figures such as Salah, Van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch fit and starting every league game has been a significant advantage.

This has been especially notable compared to Arsenal, who have recently suffered without four of their first choice forwards. Speaking to Betfair, the BBC pundit said: "Another feature of the season has been teams having lots of injuries, but Liverpool haven't - they've been a pretty steady ship.

"Yeah, they've had one or two injuries. But when you compare that to other teams who have been decimated then Liverpool haven't really had that. For the vast majority of the season, they've kept their big-hitters fit and in the team every single week for league games.

"You have to say, whatever they're doing in terms of their sports science, rest and recovery; they have to be given great credit for that. Their medical team behind the scenes will either be tapped up in the summer, or they'll be in for a pay increase!"

As for Salah, Shearer reiterated his recent thoughts on his contract situation, firmly believing he will remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season. He stated (via the Liverpool Echo): "There's still no word on his contract situation, but I'd be amazed if Liverpool don't sort something out to keep him at least for another year or two.

"Losing Mo Salah would be huge for Liverpool and the Premier League, because he's an iconic player. Everything he's doing right now seems to result in either a goal or an assist. Even against Newcastle on Wednesday night, Lewis Hall gave him a really good battle, but some of his bits of quality were just superb. He is an icon of the Premier League, no doubt about it."