Mohamed Salah injury: Egypt boss offers update on Liverpool star after forward forced off in AFCON draw with Ghana

The talismanic 31-year-old was forced out of a 2-2 draw with Ghana shortly before half-time. He received treatment on the pitch, but was in no condition to continue. Salah had crumpled to the turf after bursting forward during an Egyptian counter-attack, but was left signalling to the bench that he was in considerable pain.

Fears were immediately raised as to how severe Salah’s injury was – with interested observers watching on from Anfield – and it remains to be seen whether he will figure for the Pharaohs in their final group stage fixture against Cape Verde on Monday, as they seek to reach the African Cup of Nations knockout rounds.

Vitoria is optimistic that Salah will come back into contention at some stage, with the Portuguese telling reporters when asked about Salah’s fitness: “I hope not [a big problem]. We don’t know yet what the problem is. I hope it’s not a big problem but it was a problem in the first half. It was difficult timing for us because in the second half, we could only make two substitutions. But now, I don't know. It's early to see something. I think it’s not dangerous but let’s see if Salah recovers.”

Egypt are desperate to have Salah at their disposal as they look to chase down continental glory in the Ivory Coast. Liverpool are also eager to see their superstar forward avoid a lengthy spell on the treatment table as he has registered 27 goal involvements for them this season.