Aoba Tanaka 
Liverpool has expressed increasing concern over Salah leg injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations, stating that it is “worse than first feared.” Despite this setback, Egypt remains hopeful that the 31-year-old star forward can make a comeback for a potential semifinal, with Liverpool preparing an intensive rehabilitation program.
Salah suffered the injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana in Group B last Thursday. Despite the setback, Egypt advanced to the knockouts after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Cape Verde on Monday, with Salah watching from the stands. Liverpool announced that Salah will return on Wednesday for an intensive rehabilitation program, acknowledging the severity of the injury.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his perspective on Salah’s injury, stating, “It makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us.” Klopp, optimistic about Salah’s return, mentioned that the club is aiming for him to be back in action as soon as possible, both for Liverpool and the national team, with the Africa Cup of Nations still ongoing.
Initially, the Egyptian Football Association indicated that Salah would only feature in the tournament again if Egypt advanced to a quarter-final on February 2 or 3. Klopp, considering the possibility of Salah’s participation in the final, remarked, “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes.” However, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, suggested a longer recovery period, stating that Salah would be out for 21-28 days.
Salah’s absence is a significant blow to both Liverpool and Egypt. Klopp had expressed his concern on Friday, noting the severity of the hamstring problem, given Salah’s minimal history of missed games for Liverpool. The Egypt national team, vying for their eighth Cup of Nations title, remains optimistic despite Salah’s injury.
Salah, who scored a crucial penalty in Egypt’s earlier draw with Mozambique, remains confident about winning the Africa Cup of Nations eventually. “I would love to win it, absolutely,” he said. “Whatever I believe, I achieve – so sooner or later, it will happen. I have won everything possible but this one, not yet. Everybody knows what it means to any player to win an Africa Cup.” Salah’s determination and Liverpool’s careful rehabilitation approach will be closely monitored as they navigate the challenges ahead.
