Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Mohamed Salah might end his Africa Cup of Nations journey prematurely due to an injury and make an early return to the club.
Salah has been sidelined for Egypt’s upcoming two matches at the AFCON in Ivory Coast following a muscle injury sustained during Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
With Egypt set to face Cape Verde on Monday evening, Klopp is concerned about Salah’s participation as the team aims to advance from Group B after back-to-back draws against Mozambique and Ghana.
Speaking at his post-match press conference following Liverpool’s 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday night, the German said, “That’s the plan. If that’s already decided 100 per cent I don’t know, but that’s the plan.
“However long he is out, I think probably everybody sees that it makes sense that he is doing the rehab with us or with our people. That’s the plan, but if that’s now written in stone already, I don’t know.”
Klopp added: “[I spoke with him] directly after [the game], pretty much the night it happened. Since then, he’s in contact with our doctor. The doc tells me the news, so I think he will be back.”
“I’m not a doctor. I would say if Egypt qualify for the final and he is fit before the final then probably yes. Why not?
“That’s clear, it’s the tournament. Ivory Coast, I am sure it is a wonderful country, but we have no people from us there and their people have to take care of the players who are playing, so let’s see.”
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed Salah will only feature in the tournament again if his nation advance to the semi-finals.
The forward is set to arrive in Merseyside after Egypt’s Group B finale against Cape Verde on Monday night.
“After additional examinations were conducted on Mohamed Salah during the last hours, and after communication between the national team’s medical staff and his counterpart at Liverpool FC, it was decided that the player will return to England after the Cape Verde match tomorrow to complete his treatment, with the hope that he will join the national team in the semi-final of the AFCON if we qualify,” the FA said in a statement on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah has 18 goals and nine assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool this season.
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Liverpool Join Race To Sign Lille Defender Leny Yoro
- Report: Liverpool Interested In Manchester United Target Michael Olise
- Ajax Interested In Signing Former Liverpool Captain Jordan Henderson This Month
- Arsenal Eye Move For Former Liverpool Striker Dominic Solanke
- Report: Liverpool Made Approach To Sign Juventus Forward Kenan Yildiz This Month