- Set to miss two matches
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Egypt and Liverpool talisman, Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of the next two games at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Given his injury update, Salah will only feature again if the record seven-time champions make it to the quarter-final stage on February 2 or 3.
The Egyptians were dealt a cruel blow on Friday as their mercurial Skipper was ruled out of two matches with a hamstring injury.
Confirming latest development in a statement, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said Liverpool star would not be able to return for his country unless they make it to the quarter-finals stage of the continental competition.
The 31-year-old, who came off late in the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday, will therefore sit out Monday’s final group game against Cape Verde and also the last-16 encounter that would follow.
With only two points from their opening two games, the Pharaohs need to beat Cape Verde to guarantee advancing in second place in Group B.
Victory over Cape Verde would see them lining up for the last-16 encounter on January 28 in San Pedro. Also, they could qualify as one of the best third-placed teams from the Group stages.
