Aoba Tanaka 
In a twist of fate for Egypt’s star player Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward is set to return to his club for treatment on a leg injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Despite the setback, Egypt remains optimistic about Salah’s availability for a potential semi-final clash.
Salah, who suffered the injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana in Group B, will undergo rehabilitation with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, voiced his support for this decision, stating on Sunday, “It makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us.” The Egyptian Football Association later confirmed Salah’s return, leaving fans hopeful for his comeback in the latter stages of the tournament.
Egypt faces Cape Verde on Monday, aiming to secure a win that would propel them into the knockout stages. Initially, the Egyptian Football Association had indicated that Salah would only rejoin the tournament if Egypt advanced to a quarter-final on February 2 or 3. Klopp, however, hinted at a potential return for the 31-year-old forward, saying, “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes.”
Concerns about the severity of Salah’s hamstring injury arose after Klopp suggested on Friday that it might be more significant than anticipated. Klopp remarked, “He was shocked and couldn’t see why he was hit by something so intense.” Salah’s absence from Liverpool’s lineup has been a rare occurrence, emphasizing the seriousness of the injury.
Despite the setback, Salah remains determined to contribute to Egypt’s Afcon campaign. Having narrowly avoided an opening defeat with a late penalty against Mozambique, Salah expressed his commitment to winning the tournament sooner or later. “I would love to win it, absolutely,” Salah said. “It will happen somehow – that is what I believe. Whatever I believe, I achieve – so sooner or later, it will happen.”
Egypt, with seven Afcon titles to their name, last claimed the championship in 2010. Salah’s belief in the team’s motivation and his personal commitment to winning the tournament highlights the resilience and determination driving Egypt’s campaign in this prestigious competition.
