Salah was forced off during Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday with a suspected hamstring injury, casting doubt over whether the 33-year-old will feature again before his expected departure at the end of the season. With just four matches remaining, including two at home, the forward may have already played his final game in a Liverpool shirt.

Liverpool are awaiting scan results to determine the severity of the issue, with head coach Arne Slot also admitting uncertainty over the forward's availability for the remainder of the campaign.

Van Dijk, however, insisted the emotional context of Salah's situation means the focus should not solely be on whether he returns to the pitch.

"If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there is only two more home games left for him, it's a combination of feelings that go through your mind," Van Dijk said.

"He will get the send-off regardless. I don't think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn't think too far ahead."

The Liverpool defender added that Salah remains determined to return before the season ends.

"I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible," Van Dijk said. "The reality is he has to get scanned, assessed, hopefully he won't be long but at this point I don't know. Maybe he's back next week, maybe not. I have no idea."

Liverpool's remaining fixtures include trips to Manchester United and Aston Villa, as well as home matches against Chelsea and Brentford on the final day of the season - a game that had been expected to serve as Salah's farewell appearance.

Even if he does not feature again, Salah's legacy at Anfield is secure. Since arriving in 2017, he has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances, making him the third-highest scorer in the club's history behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

During a trophy-laden spell, Salah has helped Liverpool win the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has also claimed the PFA Players' Player of the Year award three times and the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions.

Van Dijk believes those achievements ensure the Egyptian forward will be celebrated properly regardless of whether he returns to the pitch before leaving.

"He will get the send-off regardless," he said. "I don't think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn't think too far ahead. Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him, let's see."

Mamelodi Sundowns refocus on Betway Premiership battle as Richards Bay loom