A potentially massive moment in both the African Cup of Nations and the Premier League title race took place just before halftime of Egypt vs. Ghana as Mohamed Salah threw his captain’s armband to the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium turf in frustration.
Salah was forced off just before the interval, appearing to have potentially sustained a left hamstring injury. It was unclear how exactly he was injured, but it was immediately clear something was wrong by the frustrated reaction of the Pharaohs captain.
While no word has yet come down regarding the extent or seriousness of the injury, there are still some signs that he could miss critically important minutes for both club and country, although the coaching staff seemed at least somewhat optimistic after the match.
The Sporting News has the latest on Salah’s potential injury and how long he may be sidelined while Egypt gun for a continental title and Liverpool push for domestic glory on multiple fronts.
MORE: A full recap of Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana in AFCON 2023 group stage
Mohamed Salah injury news, updates
Mohamed Salah was withdrawn by Egypt in first half stoppage time of their group stage match against Ghana on January 18 in the 2024 African Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool star sat himself on the turf, removing his captain’s armband and throwing it on the ground in frustration. He pointed to his left hamstring as trainers came on, and was quickly replaced by Mostafa Fathi before the first half concluded.
Egypt head coach Rui Vitoria, speaking after the match, said tests are still being conducted but they are optimistic about the injury. “We don’t know yet what the problem is,” Vitoria told the media after drawing 2-2 with Ghana. “I hope it’s not a big problem. It was difficult timing for us because in the second half we could only make two substitutions. I think it’s not dangerous but let’s see.”
MORE: Tracking the race for 2023 AFCON Golden Boot as players battle for continental crown
While the extent of Salah’s injury is unclear and no official update has been issued on his fitness, there are a few signs of clear concern.
It was notable that Salah was unable to make it the full four minutes of added time to be withdrawn at the break, when Egypt would not have to burn a substitute window to make the change, instead having to come off immediately. His immediate frustration was also of concern, as he clearly knew something was very wrong and didn’t try to gut it out.
The Sporting News will update this post as more news is released, with Egypt manager Rui Vitoria sure to address the situation after the match.
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Salah was seen walking through the mixed zone after the match, but did not speak to any journalists. He did have a smile on his face and didn’t seem to be sporting any kind of limp. That’s a very positive sign, but there’s still no definitive word on his fitness.
How long could Mohamed Salah miss with injury at AFCON?
It’s unclear how long Mohamed Salah could miss, if any time at all. If he was removed as a precaution, he could potentially return for Egypt’s group stage finale against Cape Verde on Monday, January 22, which now looms large as a vital fixture given Egypt’s struggles in their first two AFCON matches.
However, the early signs could point to a longer spell on the sidelines. If Salah has suffered a hamstring strain, he may be forced to miss the rest of Egypt’s time at the tournament, however short or long that may be.
MORE: Africa Cup of Nations 2024: Fixtures, results, schedule and bracket
He could also be relegated to the bench after returning to England as well, and with Liverpool well in the thick of the Premier League title race, that could have massive ramifications on the EPL season. Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne suffered a serious hamstring injury in the first match of the season, and the Belgian only just returned to the pitch, having missed five months of action, his absence clearly affecting Man City’s ability to dominate EPL play as they have in recent years.
That length of time would represent a worst-case scenario for Liverpool, but even a month out of action could affect the standings. The Reds have a meeting with Arsenal looming on February 4, which Salah would have expected to miss anyways due to AFCON duty, but they would want him back for a potential EFL Cup final on February 25, plus a huge tilt against Man City on March 9.
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