Jurgen Klopp reveals 'shocked' reaction to Mohamed Salah injury as Liverpool await further news after worrying scenes during Egypt AFCON game

19/01/2024 12:22

Jurgen Klopp admitted it was ‘a shock’ to watch his star man Mohamed Salah limp off with an injury during Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Ghana.

The Liverpool boss has said the club is waiting for further news on the forward’s fitness in what could be a pivotal moment in this season’s Premier League title race.

The Reds star went down injured during Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana on Thursday night.

The Pharaohs’ star man came off with the game goalless but, to add insult to injury, Ghana took the lead through West Ham star Mohammed Kudus’ goal.

The record AFCON winners equalised through Omar Marmoush after the break before the Black Stars retook the lead with Kudus’ second. However, the game was level again when Mostafa Mohamed equalised in what was a crazy five-minute period.

The draw means Egypt must to beat Cape Verde on Monday to be sure of a place in the knockout stage of the competition, although a draw may prove to be enough.

Being without Salah will make their bid for an eighth AFCON triumph, the first of his career, a whole lot more difficult and if the absence is lengthy then it could have an impact on the Premier League title race.

Klopp responded to the scenes in his press conference on Friday morning ahead of Liverpool’s return to action against Bournemouth this weekend, and revealed he spoke to Salah after the game to learn more.

“We don’t know anything,” said the Reds boss.

“I spoke with him last night. They are doing further assessments. In the moment it was a shock.

He felt it and we know how rarely Mo goes off so there was something.”

Salah looked emotional as he left the pitch but no diagnosis has been carried out.

It’s a suspected hamstring strain, which are unpredictable, although the extent or even a diagnosis of the injury hasn’t been disclosed.

Liverpool will be hoping that the problem is minor with Klopp reliant on the forward this season.

In 20 Premier League appearances, the ex-Roma star has scored 14 goals and assisted eight.

The Reds are currently at the top of the table but will need their main man to be fit to keep Manchester City at bay – especially with Kevin De Bruyne now fit and Erling Haaland nearing a return.