Liverpool are looking to finish the Premier League season in style as they chase a second title in six campaigns.

The Reds have put themselves in a remarkable position with just seven games to go and look likely to lift their 20th championship trophy in May.

One of the major architects of their terrific season has been Mohamed Salah, who is both top scorer and top assister in the Premier League this term.

Salah signed a new contract on Friday to keep him at Liverpool until 2027 and will look to continue his remarkable consistency next season.

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However, one year older and with the disruption of AFCON in 2025/26, things may become harder for the Egyptian.

And according to Paul Merson, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold – who is set to depart for Real Madrid – is going to really impact Salah’s effectiveness at Liverpool.

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Salah and Alexander-Arnold have been Liverpool’s starters on the right side since 2017.

The pair have enjoyed a sensational partnership together.

And once Trent takes his leave this summer, Merson has argued that Salah’s life is about to get much harder.

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“If I was playing right wing, I know who I’d want playing at right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Merson told Sky Sports on Saturday.

So, he will miss Trent 100 per cent.”

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“Teams will double up on Salah now because they won’t have to worry about the right-back,” Merson continued.

“The right-back won’t hurt them like Trent can.

“So, that player who marks Trent will drop back and stop Salah and double up and they’ll let that player have the ball.

He’ll find it hard next season, it will be harder next season 100 per cent.”

All of this is assuming Alexander-Arnold leaves, of course.