The fitness troubles of Mohamed Salah had a significant impact on his participation in the Pharaohs’ final match of the first round. He was unable to play and had to watch from the sidelines while his teammates drew 2-2 with group winners Cape Verde. This led to criticism from sections of the media, questioning his commitment when the Egyptian FA announced that he would be returning to Liverpool for his recovery.
Ahmed Hassan, an Egypt legend, expressed doubts about Salah’s dedication and suggested that it would have been more logical for one of Liverpool’s medical staff members to accompany him to Ivory Coast. However, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, clarified that his client’s injury is more severe than initially believed. He insisted that Salah’s best chance of continuing in the AFCON, should Egypt advance to the later stages of the competition, is by receiving treatment at his club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Abbas stated, “The injury is more serious than first thought. He will be out for 21-28 days.”