Jurgen Klopp has wished Mohamed Salah good luck — form of — for the Africa Cup of Nations match.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.(REUTERS)
Liverpool’s prime scorer this season may very well be absent for greater than a month relying on how Egypt performs within the Ivory Coast.
Wrap up the yr passed by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click right here
If Egypt reaches the ultimate — because it did in 2022 — it will imply Salah lacking at the least 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 may even be out of the lineup for the Premier League chief whereas on worldwide obligation 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 high quality 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 objectives throughout all competitions this season. He’s the Premier League co-leader — alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland — with 14 objectives. 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 obligation.
“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.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
