Egypt faces a substantial setback in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as both star forward Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy succumb to injuries, leaving the Pharaohs with significant challenges moving forward in the tournament.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded on Monday evening when Egypt secured its berth in the round of 16 after a tense encounter against Cape Verde that concluded in a 2-2 draw.
However, celebrations were dampened as news surfaced that Liverpool’s prolific striker, Mohamed Salah, would be sidelined for an estimated 21 to 28 days.
This unfortunate development means Salah will miss the remainder of the competition until at least the semi-final stage.
While Salah’s absence deals a severe blow to Egypt’s offensive prowess, it is not the sole injury concern for the team.
In a press release disseminated through local media on Tuesday, the Egyptian Football Federation disclosed that goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy has suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Regrettably, this injury will force El-Shenawy to miss the remaining matches in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The severity of El-Shenawy’s condition is underscored by the prospect of potential surgery, amplifying the challenges facing the Egyptian squad.
The goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the knockout stages, will return to Cairo for further medical examinations to ascertain the full extent of his injury.
With the loss of two key contributors, Egypt’s aspirations in the AFCON 2023 undergo a substantial test.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, now faces the formidable task of reshuffling the lineup and instilling confidence in the team to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
As Egypt readies for the knockout stages, the absence of Salah and El-Shenawy will undoubtedly reshape the dynamics of their campaign, adding an element of uncertainty to their quest for continental glory.
