Klopp explains why Salah will leave Egypt’s AFCON squad and return to Liverpool; he could be back
Klopp Explains Salah’s Departure from the AFCON Squad: Liverpool Return and Potential Comeback
Following Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth, Jurgen Klopp has shed light on Mohamed Salah’s decision to leave Egypt’s AFCON squad and return to Liverpool for rehabilitation.
While Salah is set to miss Egypt’s final group game and a potential last-16 match, Klopp suggests a return to national duty could be on the cards.
Salah’s return to Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is set to make a temporary departure from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to undergo treatment for a muscle injury sustained during Egypt’s recent draw with Ghana.
Liverpool confirmed Salah’s attendance at Egypt’s final group game against Cape Verde on Monday before he flies back to Liverpool for rehabilitation.
Klopp’s Explanation and Optimism
Speaking after Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth, Klopp emphasized the importance of Salah’s rehab with Liverpool.
He stated, “However long he’s out, probably everybody sees it like this; it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people.“
“If that’s written in stone already, I don’t know. I spoke with him directly after the night when it happened. Since then, he’s been in contact with our doctor. I think he will be back.“
Klopp remained optimistic about Salah’s return, expressing openness to the Egyptian star rejoining the national team if fitness permits.
He commented, “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes. Why not? That’s clear. It’s the tournament.“
“Ivory Coast I’m sure it’s a wonderful country, but we have no people from us there, and their people have to take care of the people who are playing, so let’s see,” he concluded.
Salah’s Perspective
In a press conference ahead of the Cape Verde game, Salah briefly addressed his injury, stating, “My injury is still there, but the most important thing now is to speak about the game.”
He affirmed the team’s commitment to securing qualification for the next round and emphasized the players’ motivation to win the tournament.
Salah also acknowledged his desire to secure an AFCON title with Egypt, expressing confidence in its eventual success.
“I have won everything possible, but not this one yet. It will happen somehow; that is what I believe, and whatever I believe, I achieve, so sooner or later it will happen,” Salah stated.
Egypt Football Association’s Statement
The Egypt Football Association issued a statement confirming Salah’s attendance at the Cape Verde game and subsequent travel to England for further treatment.
The statement outlined ongoing medical examinations and communication between the national team’s medical department and Liverpool, expressing hope for Salah’s return to the AFCON semi-finals if Egypt qualifies.
“Salah will attend the Cape Verde game and travel to England afterwards. After carrying out additional examinations in the last hours and after communication between the medical department of the national team and his counterpart at Liverpool, it has been confirmed that the player will return to England to complete his treatment, hoping to catch him in the semi-finals of the CAF Nations Cup in case of qualification.“
Salah’s departure raises questions about his availability for upcoming Liverpool fixtures, but Klopp’s optimism and Salah’s determination leave room for a potential comeback in the latter stages of the AFCON. The football world watches with anticipation as the situation unfolds.
