In a major blow to the Egyptian national team, Mohamed Salah will be leaving the squad to return to his club, Liverpool, for injury rehabilitation. The decision was made in consultation with the Egyptian Football Association and Liverpool’s medical staff. While Salah will attend Monday’s game against Cape Verde, he will then travel to the UK to continue his treatment.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his support for Salah’s decision, stating that it makes sense for him to undergo rehab with the club’s medical team. Klopp confirmed that Salah’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations is possible if Egypt qualifies for the final and the player is deemed fit.
Salah’s absence will be keenly felt by the Egyptian team, as he has already been ruled out of their crucial Group B clash against Cape Verde and any potential last-16 match. The Egyptian FA had initially hoped for Salah’s return in the quarter-finals, but now they are resigned to being without him until a possible semi-final on February 7th.
This injury setback adds to Salah’s unfortunate history at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite his numerous achievements, including two African Footballer of the Year awards, Salah has never won the prestigious tournament. He reached the final twice but fell short against Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2019.
However, Salah remains optimistic about his chances of becoming the champion of Africa. During a press conference, he expressed his belief that he will eventually achieve this goal. Salah stated, “I have won everything possible, but this one not yet. It will happen somehow, that is what I believe, and whatever I believe I achieve, so sooner or later it will happen.”
The Egyptian national team now faces a challenging task without their star player. They must secure a victory against Cape Verde to ensure their qualification for the last 16. The pressure is on as they aim to progress in the tournament and potentially provide Salah with an opportunity to return in the later stages.
Salah’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by both the Egyptian team and their fans. However, his decision to prioritize his recovery and return to Liverpool for treatment shows his commitment to his club and the importance of his long-term fitness. As Salah embarks on his rehabilitation journey, all eyes will be on his progress and potential return to the Africa Cup of Nations if Egypt continues to advance in the tournament.
