January 20, (THEWILL) – Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp will be relieved after scans confirmed Mohamed Salah suffered just a hamstring strain at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. The 31-year-old sparked injury fears after limping off during Thursday’s 2-2draw with Ghana. However, test results showed a muscle strain expected to rule Salah out of Egypt’s next two AFCON matches.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed Salah will miss Monday’s final group match versus Cape Verde, plus the last 16 if Egypt qualify. Salah’s injury occurred right before half-time on Thursday, prompting concern from Liverpool manager Klopp, given his exemplary fitness record. In over six seasons with the Reds, Salah has only missed 10 English Premier League games.
While Liverpool await further assessments, Klopp will be pleased the problem is not graver than revealed. Egypt are currently 2nd in Group B after two draws, needing victory over leaders Cape Verde to guarantee knockout qualification. Even if Egypt do make progress, Salah, seems set to also miss their first knockout match later in January.
Liverpool has multiple injury issues affecting their squad presently. Defenders Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are recovering alongside midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Ben Doak. Salah’s absence deprives Liverpool of their main attacking threat as the Reds aim to protect their lead atop the EPL.
Klopp’s men face Bournemouth on Sunday followed by a League Cup semi-final second leg next week against Fulham. None of Liverpool’s injured contingent are expected back for Bournemouth, though Alexander-Arnold could return to face Fulham next Wednesday, January 25.Liverpool will hope Salah recuperates quickly from this hamstring strain given his pivotal status in their ongoing title push.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
