Liverpool supporters saw their worst fears realised when Mohamed Salah limped off the pitch during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The winger, who seldom misses a match for club or country, was substituted before half-time of Egypt’s second group stage match, with Jurgen Klopp left sweating on his fitness ahead of a pivotal period for the Reds.
Egypt just about qualified for the knockout phase of AFCON without Salah following their third successive 2-2 draw of the group, this time being held by Cape Verde after some incredibly late drama. However, the seven-time winners could be without their talisman moving forward.
Here is the latest news on Salah’s injury and when he could return.
Following his side’s draw with Ghana, Egypt boss Rui Vitoria initially downplayed fears regarding Salah’s injury, insisting that the Pharaohs’ captain would only miss two games at the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, that diagnosis was soon quashed when Salah returned to Merseyside to undergo rehabilitation on a hamstring problem. The 31-year-old was set to recuperate in Liverpool before reuniting with his Egypt teammates later in the competition, but that plan is now in jeopardy.
Taking to social media, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa confirmed that his client’s injury is more serious than first reported, with the Liverpool forward set to miss between three and four weeks of action.
“Mohamed’s injury is more serious than first thought and he will be out for 21-28 days, and not two games,” said Issa. “His best chance at participating in the current AFCON is by undergoing intensive rehabilitation in the UK and re-joining the team as soon as he is fit.”
Given the timeframe placed on Salah’s return and the fact that the AFCON final takes place on 11 February, it seems unlikely that he will be able to feature for his nation at the tournament unless he were to make a speedier-than-expected recovery.
Salah’s injury also puts his participation with Liverpool over the next month or so in doubt, with some crucial encounters for the Reds on the horizon. If he’s sidelined for four weeks, he would miss approximately six games for the Merseysiders, with his absence likely to be felt by Klopp and his players as they hunt down the Premier League title.
Liverpool welcome Chelsea, Salah’s former employers, to Anfield at the end of January before travelling to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium four days later. However, Klopp’s side have been able to cope without their perennial top scorer. Liverpool earned a 2-0 win against the Gunners in the FA Cup third round on the same day that Salah started a pre-tournament friendly for Egypt.
