Liverpool fans were left holding their breath as Mohamed Salah, their star forward, was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury during Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations match against Ghana on Thursday.
Salah, who had scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Watford in the Premier League last weekend, looked in discomfort as he sat on the pitch and threw his captain's armband to the ground in frustration. He pointed to his left thigh as the medical staff attended to him and was replaced by Mostafa Fathi in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
The 31-year-old's injury came as a blow for Egypt, who were trailing 1-0 at the break after Mohammed Kudus scored for Ghana just a minute after Salah's exit. The Pharaohs, who are seeking their eighth continental title, had drawn their opening game against Cameroon and needed a positive result to boost their chances of advancing from Group B.
Salah's injury also cast a shadow over Liverpool's hopes of retaining their Premier League crown and competing for other trophies. The Reds are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Manchester City, and have a busy schedule ahead, with games against Arsenal, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Tottenham in the next two weeks.
Salah, who has scored 24 goals in 27 appearances for Liverpool this season, is a key player for Jurgen Klopp's side and his absence would be a huge setback for their ambitions. The Egyptian has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice and was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2018. He also helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 and the Club World Cup in 2020.
There was no immediate update on Salah's condition after the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw after Trezeguet equalized for Egypt in the second half. Egypt coach Rui Vitoria is expected to provide more details on his star player's injury in his post-match press conference.
Liverpool fans will be anxiously waiting for news on Salah's recovery and hoping that he can return to action soon. The Reds will also be hoping that their other African stars, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita, who are representing Senegal and Guinea respectively at the AFCON, can avoid any injuries and come back fit and ready for the crucial part of the season.
