Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, has spoken out in support of Mohamed Salah, asserting that Liverpool will “100%” allow him to play in the AFCON final if he regains fitness and Egypt advances to the championship match.
The 31-year-old forward, a key figure in Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, faced a setback when he was forced to withdraw from the crucial clash against Ghana due to hamstring pain.
In response to the rare fitness concern, the decision was made to bring Salah back to England for further evaluation and treatment.
Klopp, emphasizing a shared interest between Liverpool and Egypt in Salah’s well-being, clarified the club’s stance in an interview with beIN SPORTS: “Egypt and Liverpool have the same interest; we want Mo Salah to be in shape as soon as possible.
If he stays in Africa and they can’t treat him properly, it will only delay things, especially for Egypt if they qualify for the tournament.
We are bringing him here not to keep him away from Egypt but to give him the best possible medical treatment. Everything was agreed.
If Salah is fit and Egypt goes to the final, it was always clear that he would return, 100%. That’s what Mo wants, that’s what we want.”
Klopp defended Salah against criticism for leaving the Egypt camp in the midst of a major tournament.
He emphasized Salah’s loyalty, stating, “If anyone questions Mo Salah’s loyalty, they should ask themselves if his loyalty is fair because Mo Salah is certainly the most loyal Egyptian I have met in my life.”
Salah’s unexpected departure has raised eyebrows, but Klopp’s unwavering support and clarification of the collaborative decision between Liverpool and Egypt underscore the shared commitment to the player’s health and the prospect of his return to the AFCON, provided fitness permits and Egypt advances to the final.
