In the midst of the continuing crisis in Gaza, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has sent a serious message.

The Egyptian has been in excellent form for the Reds this season, scoring 12 Premier League goals to help the club finish second in the table, just a point behind Arsenal.

He scored as Arsenal held Jurgen Klopp’s team to a 1-1 draw on Merseyside on Saturday, leaving the top of the Premier League quite crowded.

Salah has not shied away from speaking out on the Middle East conflict, and he has done so yet again in a moving Christmas greeting.

He posted on Twitter : “Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate. With the brutal war going on in the Middle East, especially the death and destruction in Gaza, this year we get to Christmas with very heavy hearts and we share the pain of those families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.

“Please do not forget them and do not get used to their suffering. Merry Christmas.”

Despite a creditable draw against Arsenal, Salah vowed his side must do better if they are to keep pace in the title race. He posted on social media: “We know we can’t keep dropping points like this and we will keep fighting to do better.”

It was a belief shared by captain Virgil van Dijk, who believes Liverpool will mount a strong title challenge in the second half of the season. “City are a very good team as well, but Arsenal will be up there,” he went on to say. “We hope to be up there – we will really push them.”

Salah will be missing for several weeks in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations. He will go after Liverpool’s New Year’s Day match against Newcastle and might miss up to seven games if Egypt advances to the final.