SUMMARY
- Mohamed Salah's agent stated that due to a hamstring injury, the Egypt forward may miss the rest of AFCON and Liverpool's game against Brentford on Feb 17.
- Whether Mo Salah recovers in time for AFCON and proves critics wrong remains uncertain. Currently it is not looking good for for both Salah and Egypt's fans.
Mohamed Salah’s agent said that the Egypt forward will be sidelined for “21-28 days” due to a hamstring injury. This means he may miss the balance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as well as Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brentford on February 17.
Salah, 31, is scheduled to return to Liverpool this week to receive extensive treatment for the injury he sustained against Ghana. If Egypt advances to the final four, this will increase his chances of being fit for the AFCON semifinals.
However, Shaka Hislop of ESPN believes otherwise regarding the legendary soccer winger. He said “I don’t think Egypt will be happy with this at all. If I am Egypt and I’m sitting in the Ivory Coast…why will I let Mo Salah go back to Liverpool? The chances are he s not going to come back..he’s not going to come back..that’s my thinking sitting here”
It remains to be seen whether Mo Salah recovers back in time to return to the AFCON and prove all the critics and the soccer experts wrong. However, as of now, it is not looking good for him as well as his nation, Egypt, and the fans of the nation.
Jurgen Klopp provides fresh injury update on Mohamed Salah
A clarification on Mohamed Salah’s injury sustained during his international duties at the Africa Cup of Nations has been given by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. In an interview with Sky Sports, the German tactician expressed his ideas and said that they were used to operating without Salah during the AFCON and also provided an update on his injury (via Mirror):
Jurgen Klopp on Mo Salah’s injury and the plan for his treatment. pic.twitter.com/IUp9dXPVHX
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) January 21, 2024
“It’s not a problem where we’re scrambling to see how we can replace Mo. He’s away, he’s injured as well, we don’t know how long that will take but I’m happy with the team we have today. It’s not the best bench we’ve ever had but there are good players on the bench and we can hopefully stay fit and look towards the next game after this one.”
The Liverpool manager additionally stated that he has given the younger players his confidence to assist them in overcoming their injury problems. In 27 appearances across all competitions this season, Salah has contributed nine assists and 18 goals for the Reds, making him a vital member of the team.
Egypt icon slams Mohamed Salah for opting to return to Liverpool during AFCON
Mohamed Salah ought to have remained with the national team instead of going back to Liverpool, according to Egypt veteran Ahmed Hassan, after sustaining an injury during the current AFCON 2024. Just before halftime on Thursday, January 18, Salah sustained an injury to his hamstring during Egypt’s match against Ghana. For the second time in the competition, the Pharaohs were held to a 2-2 tie in the match.
🚨🎙️| Ahmed Hassan, who is Egypt’s most-capped player with 184 appearances, on Salah leaving the AFCON due to injury:
“he is the captain. He should stay with the team no matter what, even if he only had one leg to stand on.” pic.twitter.com/mhBumWmdZv
— TTS. (@TransferSector) January 22, 2024
Hassan said, “Do the AFCON regulations allow a player to leave the national team’s camp and come back again? He had the possibility of bringing in someone from Liverpool’s medical staff to be with him during the competition. Again, he’s the captain, He should stay with the team no matter what, even if he had one leg to stand on.”
In their opening match at AFCON 2024, Mohamed Salah scored a goal and provided an assist as his team tied 2-2 with Mozambique. The Pharaos, who are now playing their last group-stage encounter against Cape Verde, are severely hampered by his absence.