Mohammed Salah not pictured in Liverpool training ahead of Arsenal clash after Chelsea snub

Liverpool star Mohammed Salah was not pictured in Liverpool training on Thursday afternoon, as the Reds prepare for the visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Salah was a second-half substitute during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea, in a surprise move from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Now he has not been seen in training as Liverpool continued their preparations for Sunday’s meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side at Anfield.

An incredible 29 points separate the clubs, with Arsenal heading into the weekend’s action top of the table as Liverpool sit 10 points adrift of the top four.

Virgil van Dijk missed the 0-0 draw at Chelsea with illness but was pictured in training on Thursday, alongside Thiago and Luis Diaz.

Klopp has said Diaz, who was injured when Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 earlier this season before suffering a set-back during the World Cup break, has an outside chance of featuring against the Gunners.

Van Dijk is likely to be back in the starting XI but an update on Thiago’s involvement is likely when Klopp holds his pre-match press conference on Friday. An update on Salah is also expected.

Midfielder Naby Keita was pictured in training but did not appear to be working with the group, making his participation this weekend unlikely.

Arsenal are eight points clear of Man City in second, with Pep Guardiola’s side heading to Southampton on Saturday evening. The Gunners have played a game more than last season’s title winners and could see their lead cut to five points ahead of Sunday’s clash on Merseyside.

Despite their struggles this season, Liverpool have still proven a threat at home. The Reds have beaten Man City and Newcastle United at Anfield this term and thrashed Man United 7-0 last month. Arsenal’s last win at the ground came with a 2-0 victory in September 2012.