diff --git a/data_structures/linked_list/merge_sort_linked_list.py b/data_structures/linked_list/merge_sort_linked_list.py
index ec8ce7f89..f72fe3ee8 100644
--- a/data_structures/linked_list/merge_sort_linked_list.py
+++ b/data_structures/linked_list/merge_sort_linked_list.py
@@ -47,6 +47,8 @@ def get_middle(head: Node | None) -> Node | None:
     slow: Node | None = head
     fast: Node | None = head
     while fast is not None and fast.next is not None:
+        if slow is None:  # This should never happen, but it satisfies the type checker
+            return None
         slow = slow.next
         fast = fast.next.next