The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool after the Africa Cup of Nations group games to receive treatment for his muscular injury.
Salah limped off during Egypt’s 2-2 tie with Ghana on Thursday and will miss their final Group B match against Cape Verde on Monday, as well as the last 16 and quarterfinals, provided the record seven-time Afcon champions go that far.
In a statement on Sunday, the Egyptian FA said, “After additional examinations were conducted on Mohamed Salah during the last hours, and after communication between the national team’s medical staff and his counterpart at Liverpool FC, it was decided that the player will return to England after the Cape Verde match tomorrow to complete his treatment, with the hope that he will join the national team in the semi-final of the AFCON if we qualify.”
Reacting, Klopp clarified that the plan is for Salah to return from Ivory Coast to ensure he receives the best medical treatment.
“If that’s already decided 100%, I don’t know, but that’s the plan,” the Liverpool manager said.
“I think it probably makes sense for everybody if he does the rehab with us or with our people. That’s the plan.
”If that is written in stone already, I don’t know. I have spoken with him [Salah] directly after pretty much the night when it happened but since then he is in contact with our doctor [Jonathan Power].” Klopp added.
Despite missing Salah, Jürgen Klopp’s side moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win at Bournemouth, courtesy of two second-half goals apiece from Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota.