Mohamed Salah's recent goal drought has not been helped by the absence of one particular Liverpool player, according to John Barnes.
Salah is still the Premier League's top scorer heading into the final day of season with 22 goals - one ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-Min. But the 29-year-old only has two goals to his name in his last 14 appearance for the Reds in all competitions, both scored against Manchester United in a 4-0 win at Anfield on April 19.
Salah has continued to contribute in other ways but ex-Liverpool star Barnes believes that the absence of Roberto Firmino in recent weeks has been to the Egyptian King's detriment.
READ MORE: 'All this hype' - Paul Merson makes brutal Liverpool trophies claim and major Jurgen Klopp call
READ MORE: Man City desperation proves Paul Merson has missed the point with Liverpool Champions League claim
Speaking to BonusCodeBets , Barnes said: “Roberto Firmino is always important to the Liverpool team and is one of my favourite players. He works hard for the team and was my man of the match against Southampton. He plays with the right commitment and attitude the whole time.
“There’s always a place for Roberto Firmino in my Liverpool squad. I’d even go as far to say that when he’s in the team, he gets the best of Sadio Mané and Salah. As much as Luis Díaz is doing well, Mo Salah hasn’t been at his best in the last six games and that has a lot to do with Firmino not playing alongside him. I’d love Firmino to stay.”
Salah shot out of the traps at the start of the season, scoring 15 goals in his first 12 matches, including a hot streak of 10 consecutive games. Firmino has 11 goals himself in 33 appearances for the Reds this term.
The fit-again Brazilian will be hoping to be involved in Jurgen Klopp's plans against Real Madrid when the two footballing giants meet in Paris for the Champions League final on May 28.
