Jurgen Klopp disclosed on Sunday that Salah will return to the UK for treatment, assuring that the striker can participate in AFCON again if he recovers and Egypt progresses in the tournament.
However, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, has all but ruled him out for the rest of AFCON by stating that the Liverpool attacker will be sidelined for “21-28 days” instead of just two games. Abbas mentioned in a Monday night post on X that Mohammed’s injury is more serious than initially believed, and he has the best chance of playing in the current AFCON by fully recovering in the UK and then rejoining the team as soon as he’s fit.
The Africa Cup of Nations fixtures include the group stage from January 13 to January 24, the round of sixteen from January 27 to 30, quarterfinals scheduled for February 2 and 3, the round of semis on February 7, and playoffs for third place on February 10, with the tournament concluding on February 11.
With Salah potentially missing Liverpool games, including Carabao Cup and Premier League matches against Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Burnley, Brentford, and Luton Town, Klopp initially mentioned after Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday that Salah will return to the team for medical attention.
Klopp emphasized the plan for Salah to complete his rehabilitation with Liverpool or their medical staff, acknowledging that it’s not finalized yet but believes everyone understands this. If Egypt advances in the competition, Klopp suggested that Salah could return for the Africa Cup of Nations, stating, “if he’s fit before the final, probably yes.”
However, Klopp also expressed concern for the players in the Ivory Coast, emphasizing the need for their well-being and care, especially as they don’t have relatives there during the ongoing tournament.