Mo Salah's agent confirms injury 'worse than expected' in huge Liverpool blow

22 January 2024 , 18:48

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Mohamed Salah's AFCON dream is over (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah's agent has confirmed the Liverpool forward will be out of action for up to 28 days after he suffered a hamstring injury at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah, 31, limped out of Egypt's 2-2 draw against Ghana on Thursday and has travelled to England for treatment on his injury. It was initially hoped that he would return to the Ivory Coast for the back end of the tournament, but it appears he will play no further part.

That's because Salah's agent Ramy Abbas Issa has revealed his client will be out for between three to four weeks. The AFCON final takes place in Abidjan in 20 days' time.

"Mohamed’s injury is more serious than first thought and he will be out for 21-28 days, and not two games," wrote Salah's agent on X. "His best chance at participating in the current AFCON is by undergoing intensive rehabilitation in the UK and rejoining the team as soon as he is fit."

Salah's injury is a devastating blow for the player and Egypt. The AFCON is one of the few trophies left for Salah to win during his glittering playing career and he's come close on two occasions, losing the 2017 final to Cameroon and the 2021 final to Senegal.

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Egypt have reached the knockout stages of the AFCON, despite failing to win any of their group games. Their 2-2 draw against group winners Cape Verde on Monday night was enough to progress after Ghana could only manage the same result against Mozambique.

Salah could make his comeback in the Carabao Cup final - if Liverpool beat Fulham in the last four (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

How much will Liverpool and Egypt miss Mohamed Salah? Let us know in the comments below!

Salah's injury is also bad news for Liverpool. He will miss their game against Arsenal at the Emirates on February 4, which could have huge ramifications on the title race. Liverpool are currently top of the table, five points clear of Manchester City in second, Arsenal in third and Aston Villa in fourth (City have a game in hand).

Liverpool could play six games before Salah returns if his injury is as bad as feared. He could make his comeback against either Middlesbrough or Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on February 25, should Liverpool beat Fulham in their semi-final. The Reds won the first leg 2-1 at Anfield, with the return game taking place at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Klopp said after Liverpool's 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday: "It makes sense he (Salah) does the rehab with us and our people. I spoke to him the night it happened and since then he has been in contact with our doctor and the doc tells me the news.

"Could he go back (to AFCON)? I am not a doctor, but I would say if he is fit before the final and Egypt qualify then probably yes. Why not? That is the tournament."

Tom Blow