Jurgen Klopp has ruled Mohamed Salah out of Liverpool’s upcoming games against Chelsea and Arsenal, pledging not to rush the injured winger back into action.
Salah suffered a hamstring injury during Egypt’s second group match at the Africa Cup of Nations against Ghana and subsequently returned to Liverpool for treatment.
In his absence, the Pharaohs fell to a disappointing last-16 exit against DR Congo, losing 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with opposing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi converting the decisive kick.
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With Egypt out of the tournament, Salah can now concentrate on regaining fitness as Liverpool fight for four trophies in what will be Klopp’s final campaign at the helm.
The forward’s injury was initially thought to be a minor strain, but Klopp described it as a “proper tear” last week.
Liverpool have two huge games this week as they look to maintain their grip on top spot in the Premier League, hosting Chelsea on Wednesday before travelling to the Emirates Stadium to face Mikel Arteta’s Gunners on Sunday.
Klopp confirmed Salah will miss those matches at a press conference on Tuesday, saying: “There was no pressure on him other than wanting to get fit as quickly as possible anyway.
“We don’t rush. If you could rush the healing process then Thiago [Alcantara] wouldn’t have been out for 10 months.
“You do what you can do and, while that happens, we have to wait. Mo’s not ready for this game or the next. He’s injured and a muscle injury takes time.
“It could have been a lot worse but he’s not available and he’s having rehabilitation.”
Join Jürgen Klopp live as he looks ahead to tomorrow’s Premier League match against Chelsea. 🎙️#LIVCHE
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While Liverpool will be without Salah for Wednesday’s meeting with the Blues, Alexis Mac Allister will be available after missing Sunday’s FA Cup win over Norwich City due to a minor knock.
Fellow midfielder Thiago also returned to training on Monday, having undergone surgery to correct a hip problem last April.
While the Spaniard remains some way away from a return to action, Klopp said seeing him out on the grass was a major boost.
“Macca trained yesterday so he should be fine,” Klopp said. “Thiago trained for the first time, which was an incredible moment after all the months he couldn’t.
“Then training at the level he trains – oof! He needs time, but anyway, it was a wonderful sign yesterday. Nobody new is out, the other boys are still in.”
