In the red half of Merseyside, few traditions are held as dearly as the annual Liverpool FC Christmas visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Each December, the high-pressure world of the Premier League is set aside as the squad travels to West Derby to trade match tactics for toy deliveries. This year was no different, as head coach Arne Slot led his players through the wards, continuing a legacy of community spirit that stretches back decades.

The halls of Alder Hey were transformed into a sea of red as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and the rest of the first team surprised young patients and their families. For a few hours, the hospital was filled with laughter, impromptu kickabouts in the corridors, and the exchange of cherished LFC goodies. However, beneath the festive surface, a noticeable absence was the talk of the fans: the club’s iconic number 11, Mohamed Salah.

A Day of Heroes and Heartfelt Moments

For Arne Slot, making his second festive appearance at the hospital since taking the helm at Anfield, the visit was a profound reminder of the club’s role within the city. “This place is full of heroes,” captain Virgil van Dijk remarked during the visit, praising the staff and the resilience of the children. “To see the smiles on their faces when we walk in—it puts everything we do on the pitch into perspective.“

The squad spent time in the specialized wards, taking photos and signing autographs for children who will be spending their holidays away from home. From Curtis Jones sharing jokes with local scousers to Andy Robertson engaging with the hospital’s dedicated nursing staff, the day was a resounding success in its mission to bring “festive magic” to those who need it most.

The Missing “Egyptian King”

While the spirit of the day remained high, social media was quickly abuzz with questions regarding Mohamed Salah. Salah has historically been a fixture of these visits, often cited as one of the most popular visitors among the young patients. His absence this year, however, felt particularly pointed given the recent headlines surrounding his future at the club.

Earlier this month, Salah sparked a media firestorm following an explosive interview after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United. The forward, who has found himself on the bench in several recent fixtures, claimed he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club’s hierarchy and admitted his relationship with Slot had become strained. While Salah returned to the pitch with an assist against Brighton just days ago, his omission from the hospital visit—traditionally a “full squad” event—has added fuel to the fire.

Duty or Departure?

While some fans feared the absence was another sign of the fractured relationship between the player and the manager, there is a more pragmatic explanation at play. Salah has officially departed for international duty with the Egypt national team to prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite the logistical reason, the timing has done little to quiet the “questions.” For many, the sight of the team together without their talisman felt like a glimpse into a potential future without him. With reports suggesting Salah could be eyeing a move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS when his contract nears its end, every missed appearance—even a charitable one—is scrutinized under a microscope.

As the Reds return to the training ground to prepare for a grueling festive schedule, the warmth of the Alder Hey visit remains the highlight of the week. But as the New Year approaches, the question of whether Salah will be part of next year’s Christmas tradition remains the most significant cloud over Anfield.