Premier League leaders Liverpool have confirmed that Mohamed Salah's hamstring injury suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more serious than first thought, with the player's agent saying the Egyptian could be ruled out for "three to four weeks".
The club said that Salah is returning to Merseyside to undergo treatment on the problem that occurred during Egypt's 2-2 draw with Ghana last Thursday.
"Mohamed Salah will return to the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday to begin an intensive rehabilitation programme with Liverpool’s medical team on the muscle injury he sustained with Egypt last week," a statement on the club website said.
"The injury, which is worse than first feared, forced the forward from the field in the first half of the Africa Cup of Nations fixture with Ghana and an agreement has been reached with the Egyptian FA for Salah to undergo treatment in Liverpool."
Earlier in the day, Salah's agent Ramy Abbas Issa posted in a statement on social media that his client was set to be out of action for up to four weeks.
“Mohamed’s injury is more serious than first thought and he will be out for 21-28 days, and not 2 games,” he said. “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.”
The club statement added: "Salah will immediately begin work with the club’s medical staff upon his return to Merseyside with a view to being back in action as soon as possible for club and country, giving him the best chance to return to compete at AFCON if Egypt, who qualified for the knockout stage with a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde tonight, continue to advance in the tournament."
Salah watched the draw with Cape Verde that sends his country through to the last 16.
The final of the tournament takes place on 10 February, giving Salah a race against time to make an appearance there, if Egypt get that far.
Remaining AFCON dates
Last 16 27-30 January
Quarter-finals 2-3 February
Semi-finals 7 February
Final 10 February
Liverpool next five matches
Speaking in his press conference after Sunday's 4-0 win at AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had hinted that if Salah returns to full fitness and Egypt are still in the tournament, the winger could return to AFCON to play for his country.
“However long he is out, I think probably everybody sees that it makes sense that he is doing the rehab with us or with our people," Klopp told the club's official website.
“I’m not a doctor," he added. "I would say if Egypt qualify for the final and he is fit before the final then probably yes. Why not?
“That's clear, it's the tournament. Ivory Coast, I am sure it is a wonderful country, but we have no people from us there and their people have to take care of the players who are playing, so let's see.”
