Premier League talking points: Salah return, Rolls-Royce Rodri, Pochettino problems

Relief on Merseyside this week when Mohamed Salah returned to training ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.

The reigning champions will arrive at Anfield just one point and one place behind Jurgen Klopp's men who will welcome back their Egyptian top scorer who has notched 19 goals in all competitions this season, including 15 in 21 league games.

Salah has barely figured since returning early from his country's Africa Cup of Nations campaign due to a hamstring injury before being sidelined again with muscle fatigue.

Not that his absence seems to have hindered Liverpool who, in the four games he has been missing, have beaten Chelsea in the League Cup final, Southampton in the FA Cup as well as secure Premier League wins against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest.

Salah made his comeback as a substitute during Thursday's Europa League thrashing of Sparta Prague. He almost marked his return with a goal, but a VAR review disallowed his strike for offside.

Manchester City, meanwhile, appearing to be hitting top gear at just the right time once again. Pep Guardiola's side eased into the Champions league quarter-finals on Wednesday after beating FC Copenhagen 6-2 on aggregate.

City are looking to repeat last season's treble – they take on Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals later this month – and also become the first side to win the Premier League four times on the spin.

Midfielder Rodri has now gone 60 games since he tasted defeat for City and the Portuguese is now on the longest unbeaten run in all competitions of any Premier League player.

Guardiola says the 27-year-old is “the best midfield player, currently, in the world by far” adding that “all teammates and staff, they all know how important