MOHAMED SALAH faces a race against time to be fit to face Barcelona after suffering a sickening head injury in the 3-2 win over Newcastle, says Jurgen Klopp.
The Egyptian was stretchered off in tears at St James' Park and now potentially joins Roberto Firmino on the sidelines ahead of the Champions League second-leg.
There were fears Salah's season was over after an aerial collision with Magpies stopper Martin Dubravka left the Reds leading goalscorer motionless on the turf.
However, manager Klopp is optimistic the 26-year-old will be available at Anfield on Tuesday where Liverpool will look to overturn a hefty three-goal deficit.
The German said: "He got the hip of the goalie in his head and then was on the ground.
The doctor had to make a decision on the pitch or off the pitch and the decision was off the pitch and we accept that of course.
When we came in, he was sitting in the dressing room and watching the game, or had watched the game.
He was then fine but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock in that situation.
He was sitting in the dressing room and watching the game. He was then fine but of course, we have to wait
Jurgen Klopp on Mo Salah's head injury
The news will come as a mighty relief to Liverpool fans who will already be without another of their prolific front three after Firmino tore a groin muscle last week.
The Brazilian star, 27, could only appear as a late substitute in the Nou Camp after "failing a medical test" but missed the squad against Newcastle entirely.
Klopp added: "He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest [of the season] we will see."
With the Reds fighting on two fronts, the injury problems have begun to mount for the Merseyside club after they also lost Naby Keita for the rest of the campaign.
Their late win on Tyneside means Liverpool return to to the top of the Premier League table on 94 points - two clear of Manchester City having played a game more.
Pep Guardiola's side have the chance to return the favour when they face Leicester on Monday with the title race set to be settled on the final day of the season.
Liverpool face European-hopefuls Wolves at Anfield while City travel to Brighton, who beat relegation after Cardiff lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace.