Mohamed Salah has ‘proper tear in his hamstring’ – Pep Lijnders
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has a “proper tear in his hamstring”, says assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
In the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast last Thursday, Salah, aged 31, was substituted during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
He observed from the stands as Egypt advanced to the last 16, securing the berth with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Cape Verde on Monday.
“It’s expected [he will] return in three to four weeks if everything goes smooth,” said Lijnders.
“It will go smooth and it will go right because of how we’ve treated his body before.”
Liverpool announced that Salah will rejoin the club on Wednesday for an intensive rehabilitation program.
The club revealed that his injury is more severe than initially anticipated but emphasized their commitment to treating him with the aim of a swift return to action for both club and country, providing the best opportunity to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
On Sunday, Egypt will face the runners-up in Group F in a bid to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, with the final scheduled for 8 February.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suggested that Salah’s rehabilitation at the club makes sense, considering the possibility of him rejoining the Egyptian team if he recovers in time and they progress in the competition.
“I always said before what I’m really happy about is the medical team of Egypt and the medical team of Liverpool really worked together and were in close contact and both made this decision,” said Lijnders.
“It’s an example of how international football and club football should operate to put the player in the centre.”
Egypt’s record appearance-maker Ahmed Hassan has said Salah should stay with the team “even if he only had one leg to stand on”.
“The one you should never doubt the commitment of is Mo Salah,” said Lijnders.
“I know the country is devastated to lose him. He is massive. The only reason ours and their medical team decided for him to come back is to give the best chance to make the final if Egypt reach it.”
Egypt secured their seventh Africa Cup of Nations title in 2010, a year prior to Salah’s debut. They finished as runners-up in both 2017 and 2021.
In their opening game, Salah contributed with a late penalty, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Mozambique.
Earlier this week, he expressed confidence that Egypt will clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title “sooner or later.”
“I would love to win it,” he said. “It will happen somehow – that is what I believe. Whatever I believe, I achieve.
“I have won everything possible but this one, not yet. Everybody knows what it means to any player to win an Africa Cup.”