Liverpool say Mohamed Salah’s injury is “worse than first feared” and, according to his agent, could keep the forward out of action for nearly a month.
Salah was initially ruled out for just two games by Egypt after sustaining the muscle injury in their 2-2 draw with Ghana last Thursday at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Salah will now return to Liverpool on Wednesday to begin an “intensive rehabilitation programme” after an agreement was reached between the Premier League club and the Egyptian FA.
However, it appears Salah is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines, according to his agent Ramy Abbas. He wrote on X: “Mohamed’s injury is more serious than first thought and he will be out for 21-28 days, and not two games.
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Egypt scored in added time to go ahead before Cape Verde equalised with the last kick of the game, but Ghana conceded twice in added time too against Mozambique to ensure Mo Salah’s AFCON dream remains alive!
“His best chance at participating in the current AFCON is by undergoing intensive rehabilitation in the UK and rejoining the team as soon as he is fit.”
Salah was in the stands to watch Egypt scrape into the last 16 of the tournament after a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde.
The club did not give a timescale on Salah’s return to action but said his return to Liverpool for treatment will give him the best chance possible to return for the latter stages of the AFCON should Egypt make further progress.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday, which moved them five points clear at the top of the Premier League, manager Jurgen Klopp said “it makes sense” for Salah to complete his rehab with “our people”.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah leaves the field after sustaining a muscle injury
Next Liverpool and Egypt fixtures
Jan 24: Fulham vs Liverpool, Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg – live on Sky Sports
Jan 28: Liverpool vs Norwich, FA Cup
Jan 28: Egypt vs Group F second place, AFCON round of 16, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
Jan 31: Liverpool vs Chelsea, Premier League
Feb 4: Arsenal vs Liverpool, Premier League – live on Sky Sports
Feb 10: Liverpool vs Burnley, Premier League