Salah's Ballon d'Or hopes dwindle amidst Liverpool setbacks

The Egyptian forward has been one of the most consistent performers this season, recording a remarkable 32 goals and 22 assists in 43 matches, accumulating 54 goal involvements.

However, Salah's Ballon d'Or prospects have taken a nosedive following Liverpool's 1-2 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. With the FA Cup also slipping through their fingers after a shock loss to Plymouth Argyle, the Reds now find themselves without domestic silverware to fight for.

Liverpool's only hope for a trophy this season lies in the Premier League, where they lead the table by 12 points over second-placed Arsenal. Still, the pressure is on Salah to deliver his best performances in the run-in if his individual efforts are to be recognised globally.

Adding to the disappointment, Liverpool's Champions League dreams were dashed by Paris Saint-Germain, who triumphed in a penalty shootout during the last 16. With the European dream now over, the winger's path to the Ballon d'Or looks increasingly difficult.

The Egyptian forward's chances of winning the coveted trophy now rest on his performances for his national team. Egypt's World Cup qualifying campaign remains on track, with the Pharaohs sitting at the top of their group with 10 points. A pair of crucial qualifiers against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone this month could be key to the player's hopes of keeping his Ballon d'Or ambitions alive.

With much still to play for, Salah will need to deliver exceptional performances both for club and country if he is to defy the odds and secure his first Ballon d'Or this year.