Mohamed Salah may be enduring a rare dry spell in front of goal, but with tactical adjustments and key players returning, Liverpool’s talisman looks primed for a resurgence as the season enters its decisive phase.

Luis Díaz drifted in from the left flank and, spotting Mohamed Salah at the far post, delivered a teasing cross inviting the Egyptian to apply the finishing touch. Instead, the Liverpool forward side-footed his effort well over the crossbar — much to the delight and mockery of the Fulham supporters.

It was a moment that summed up Salah’s afternoon on Sunday. For the first time in over two years, he has now gone four consecutive matches without scoring.

For most players, such a run might barely raise an eyebrow. But given the remarkable standard Salah had maintained for the majority of the season, his recent goal drought — his only goals in his last seven Liverpool appearances being two penalties in last month’s home win against Southampton — has prompted questions over a potential deeper concern.

Salah’s future remains unresolved, with ongoing discussions between the player and the club regarding a contract extension beyond the current deal, which expires at the end of the season. His advancing age — the Egypt international turns 33 this summer — and a noticeable drop in creative output, with no assists in his last six games, have added to the speculation.

In reality, a late-season decline in scoring output has become something of a recurring trend for Salah. His most clinical form often arrives earlier in the campaign.

Last season, Salah scored just three times in his final 10 matches. In the 2021/22 season — as Liverpool chased an unprecedented quadruple — he managed four goals in his last 20 appearances. In the 2019/20 season, he scored five in the last 15, and the season before that saw seven goals in the final 18 matches.

There have, of course, been exceptions. In the 2022/23 campaign, Salah netted seven times in the final 10 fixtures as Liverpool made a late, but ultimately unsuccessful, push for Champions League qualification.

All of those runs came under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp. This season, however, under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking structure has evolved. The system is now designed to consistently release Salah into goal-scoring positions or to provide opportunities for others.

Lately, though, that attacking efficiency has waned. Salah’s performance in the League Cup final against Newcastle United — where he failed to attempt a single shot or create a chance across 90 minutes — was the first such instance in his Liverpool career.

Against Fulham, the aforementioned missed opportunity was his only real chance in the match. The same was true four days earlier against Everton. For a player who has averaged over three shots per game in all competitions this season, this marks a noticeable decline. Unsurprisingly, goals have become harder to come by.

The fixture schedule has played a part, with Liverpool facing tough opponents in recent weeks. However, the absence of key personnel has also been significant. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, and Conor Bradley have all missed matches recently, disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm on the right flank.

Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones were tasked with filling in at right-back, yet neither is a natural fit for the role. As a result, opposing defences have found it easier to cut off Salah’s supply line down the wing.

Encouragingly for Liverpool, Salah’s impact increased notably in the second half at Craven Cottage once both Harvey Elliott and the returning Bradley were introduced. Although his crosses were frequently cleared, Salah’s involvement in attacking moves became more prominent.

With 54 goal contributions in 45 appearances this season, and sitting comfortably at the top of both the Premier League’s goals and assists charts, Salah’s overall influence on Liverpool’s title push remains immense.

“Mo will show up again, I don’t worry about that at all,” said Arne Slot following Sunday’s encounter.

And with Bradley now available to provide consistent support down the right and potential midfield rotations to inject fresh energy, Salah could soon rediscover his spark at just the right time.