Jurgen Klopp labels Mohamed Salah ‘the most loyal Egyptian I’ve ever met’ as Liverpool boss reveals AFCON plan following injury on international duty

The 31-year-old forward was hoping to figure prominently for his country after heading off on Africa Cup of Nations duty. He was, however, forced out of a 2-2 draw with Ghana after picking up a hamstring complaint. After suffering a rare fitness setback, the decision was made for him to return to England.

Salah is now being assessed and treated at Anfield, with the Reds prepared to send him back to the Ivory Coast if the Pharaohs put themselves in contention for a continental crown. Klopp has told 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.”

While it appears unlikely that Salah will be ready to chase down silverware with his country, Liverpool have put themselves in a position to land more medals at domestic level. Having played out a 1-1 draw with Fulham in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, the Reds are now counting down the days to a Wembley showdown with Chelsea on February 25.