Hard blow for Egypt, finalist of the last edition of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. After achieving two draws (2-2 against Mozambique and Ghana), it is without its star striker Mohamed Salah that it will try to qualify for the round of 16.
Hit in the hamstring of his left leg against Ghana on Thursday, the Egypt captain had to leave just before half-time (44th). If Rui Vitoria, the Egyptian coach, wanted to be reassuring after the match, the 31-year-old striker underwent additional examinations to determine the duration of his absence.
This Friday evening, the Egyptian Federation communicated indicating that the Liverpool striker suffered from a strain and will miss Egypt’s next two matches. He will therefore be forfeited against Cape Verde, already assured of finishing 1st in the group, a match that the Pharaohs will absolutely have to win, then for the possible round of 16.
On the eve of the match at Bournemouth in the Premier League, Jürgen Klopp, his coach at Liverpool, did not hide his pessimism. “I spoke with Mo last night. He felt it… We all know how rarely Mo is unavailable, he rarely needs to go out, so there must be something…”
