On Sunday, Jurgen Klopp revealed that Mohamed Salah would head back to the UK for treatment, expressing optimism about the striker’s potential return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if he recovers and Egypt progresses in the tournament. Despite Klopp’s positive outlook, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, painted a less optimistic picture, indicating that the Liverpool attacker would likely be sidelined for a duration of “21-28 days,” sidelining him for more than just two games. Abbas, in a Monday night post on X, conveyed that Salah’s injury was more severe than initially thought and suggested that the best chance for him to participate in the ongoing AFCON was to fully recover in the UK and rejoin the team when fit.
The AFCON schedule comprises 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, concluding on February 11.
Salah’s potential absence from Liverpool games, including crucial Carabao Cup and Premier League matches against Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Burnley, Brentford, and Luton Town, prompted Klopp to address the situation after Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth. Klopp outlined the plan for Salah to undergo rehabilitation with Liverpool or their medical staff, acknowledging that the details were not finalized but expressing confidence that everyone involved understood the approach. Klopp entertained the possibility of Salah returning for the Africa Cup of Nations if Egypt advanced in the competition, suggesting that if he regained fitness before the final, it was a probable scenario.
Despite his focus on Salah, Klopp also voiced concern for players in the Ivory Coast, emphasizing the importance of their well-being and care, particularly considering the absence of their relatives during the ongoing tournament.