Mohamed Salah is heading back to Liverpool for treatment on a muscle issue he picked up while playing for Egypt.
The prolific scorer for the Reds is expected to be absent for his country’s next two matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, following the injury sustained during Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League, faced initial challenges in creating opportunities during their Sunday game against Bournemouth in the absence of Salah.
However, the team managed to secure a commanding 4-0 victory, with second-half braces from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota contributing to a five-point lead at the top of the league.
Klopp insisted after the game that it “makes sense” for Salah to fly back to Merseyside from AFCON and the Egyptian FA have confirmed the decision.
The Reds chief said: “That’s the plan. If that’s already decided 100%, I don’t know. But that’s the plan.
“However long he’s out, probably everybody sees it like this, it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people.
“I spoke with him directly after, the night when it happened. He’s in contact with our doctor. I think he will be back.”
An Egyptian FA statement, posted on Liverpool’s official website on Sunday evening, later confirmed: “It was decided that the player will return to England after the Cape Verde match tomorrow to complete his treatment, with the hope that he will join the national team in the semi-final of the AFCON if we qualify.”
After consecutive draws against Mozambique and Ghana, Egypt is set to face Cape Verde on Monday evening in a crucial match as they aim to advance from Group B in the tournament.
The outcomes of this match will play a pivotal role in determining Egypt’s standing and qualification prospects in the competition.
Asked if Salah would go back to the tournament should his country reach the knockout stage, Klopp said: “I would say if Egypt qualifies for the final, if he’s fit before the final, then probably yes. “Why not? That’s clear. It’s the tournament.”