Liverpool Boss Defends Salah, Reveals AFCON Plan After Injury Recall

Mohamed Salah has received support from Jurgen Klopp, who asserts that Liverpool will “100%” permit him to participate in the AFCON final should he be healthy and Egypt advance.

The forward, 31, was looking forward to making a big impact for his nation following his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. But after sustaining a hamstring injury, he was forced to leave a 2-2 draw against Ghana. It was decided that he should go back to England following an uncommon setback with his fitness.

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Salah is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment at Anfield. Should the Pharaohs challenge for a continental title, the Reds are willing to return him to the Ivory Coast. As Klopp stated to beIN SPORTS: “Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible. If he stays in Africa and they can’t do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament. We bring him here not because we want to take him away from Egypt but just to offer the best medical treatment. It’s all agreed. If Salah is fit and Egypt go to the final, it was always clear, he goes back, 100%. Mo wants that, we want that.”

Salah has faced criticism for leaving the Egypt camp in the middle of a major tournament, but Klopp insists that no questions should be asked of a man that remains a hero to millions in his homeland. The Reds boss added: “If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I’ve met in my life.”

Although Salah’s readiness to pursue medals with his nation seems doubtful, Liverpool has set themselves up to win more domestic medals. In the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, the Reds and Chelsea drew 1-1. Now, the teams are ticking down the days until their match at Wembley on February 25.