Salah will '100%' return for the AFCON final if he recovers, says Klopp

Mohamed Salah will definitely return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if he recovers from his injury and Egypt makes it to the final, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has said.

The 31-year-old winger has returned to England for treatment after suffering a hamstring injury in Egypt's 2-2 draw with Ghana last week.

According to Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, Salah is expected to return to action in three to four weeks if his recovery goes smoothly.

The AFCON final is on February 11.

"Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest; we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible," Klopp told beIN SPORTS after his team advanced to the League Cup finals by defeating Fulham.

"If he stays in Africa and they can't do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament."

"We bring him here not because we want to take him away from Egypt but just to offer the best medical treatment."

"It's all agreed. If Salah is fit and Egypt go to the final, it was always clear, he goes back, 100%. Mo wants that, we want that."

Record seven-time champions Egypt finished second in Group B, with three points, after three consecutive 2-2 draws. They face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 16 on Sunday.

Klopp also responded to criticism of Salah's decision to return to Merseyside for treatment, claiming that as captain, he should have stayed with Egypt's squad.

"If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I've met in my life," he said.

SportsLigue