Salah fast return to Liverpool from Africa Cup unlikely, however Klopp nonetheless hopes for Egypt early exit

Jurgen Klopp has wished Mohamed Salah good luck — type of — for the Africa Cup of Nations event.

Liverpool’s high scorer this season could possibly be absent for greater than a month relying on how Egypt performs within the Ivory Coast.

If Egypt reaches the ultimate — because it did in 2022 — it could imply Salah lacking no less than seven Liverpool video games, doubtlessly eight if the Merseyside membership will get previous Arsenal on Sunday within the third spherical of the FA Cup.

Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo will even be out of the lineup for the Premier League chief whereas on worldwide responsibility for Japan on the Asian Cup.

“I said, If I wish you good luck it would be a lie,’” the Liverpool supervisor joked Friday. “No, I do, obviously. From a personal point of view, I would be overly happy if they go out of the group stage.”

“But, it’s probably not possible, so it’s fine and then they can go and win it as well. Good luck, see you, and come back healthy — that’s pretty much the words.”

Liverpool managed simply nice with out Salah final time, recording 5 wins and a draw whereas he was away. Salah helped Egypt advance to the ultimate, the place they misplaced to Senegal and then-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané.

Salah has scored 18 targets throughout all competitions this season. He’s the Premier League co-leader — alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland — with 14 targets. Salah additionally has eight league assists, tied for essentially the most with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The Egyptian netted twice in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Newcastle United earlier than heading off for worldwide responsibility.

“Do you want to play without Mo? No. In the past, we didn’t have to do it too often but we always found I think a way to get through this period,” Klopp said.

Versatile forward Diogo Jota would appear to be the likely replacement on the right side for Salah. Harvey Elliott is another option.

Egypt is in a group with Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique. Egypt’s final group game is on January 22.

The tournament final is on February 11 in Abidjan.

INJURY UPDATE

Dominik Szoboszlai has a hamstring injury that will keep him out of the next two games, Klopp said. The midfielder was hurt in the New Year’s Day win over Newcastle.

“Dom is very positive, doesn’t have a lot of pain but we have to wait a little bit,” the supervisor mentioned.