▲ Mohamed Salah.
[스포티비뉴스=맹봉주 기자] The captain of the Egyptian national team traveled to England during the tournament. Although it is for treatment purposes, the opinion of the Egyptians about Mohamed Salah is not positive.
Salah’s treatment destination is much talked about. On the 19th (Korea time), Salah injured his left leg tendon. This is the match between Egypt and Ghana in the second match of Group B of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations 2023 held in Ivory Coast, Africa.
Salah, who started as Egypt’s main striker, lay on the ground at the end of the first half. I felt pain in my left hip. Immediately afterwards, the British media Daily Mail analyzed, “It appears that Salah has suffered a hamstring injury.”
In the end, Salah left the field. He did not return to the game after that. Egypt ended up drawing 2-2 with Ghana. Salah looked miserable as he left the ground. Egypt’s teammates tried to console their captain. The hamstring injury didn’t seem that minor.
However, a proper examination showed that Salah’s injured area was his back, not his hamstring. A problem with his back muscles made it inevitable that he would be sidelined for a while.
Liverpool announced, “Salah has started treatment for a muscle injury. He will begin an intensive rehabilitation program with Liverpool’s medical staff.”
The dispute arose after that. Salah went to England for treatment for his back injury rather than return to his native Egypt. The Egyptian Football Association announced on the 22nd, “Salah is going to Liverpool, England to receive treatment for his injury. The medical team of the Egyptian national football team and the Liverpool medical team discussed Salah’s injury. As a result, it was decided that he would “It would be better for him to get treatment in Liverpool.”
▲ Salah in the Egyptian national team.
Liverpool announced, “Salah has started treatment for a muscle injury. He will begin an intensive rehabilitation program with Liverpool’s medical staff.”
In general, if an injury occurs while participating in an international competition, it is common for the athlete to receive treatment locally or return to their home country. In particular, Salah still has hope of returning to the Cup of Nations. Salah’s agent himself said, “The best scenario is for him to receive good treatment in England, return to Africa, and rejoin the Egyptian national team.”
However, Salah chose England, which was further away than Egypt. This is because I think that treatment in my team in Liverpool is better than receiving treatment in Egypt. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp explained, “Côte d’Ivoire, where the Cup of Nations is held, is not a suitable environment for Salah’s treatment.”
Public opinion in Egypt is not good. Salah is the captain of the Egyptian national football team. It is a symbol of Egyptian football. Salah goes to England instead of Egypt to receive treatment. This could lead to a lack of trust in the Egyptian medical community. It also affects the morale of the Egyptian national team which is currently participating in the Cup of Nations.
The intervention of Liverpool’s medical team also feels uncomfortable for Egypt. Ahmed Hassan, considered a legend in Egyptian football, directly criticized Salah. Born in 1975, Hassan played for the Egyptian national team for 17 years from 1995 to 2012. The number of A-game matches is 184. He led Egypt to victory in the Cup of Nations and was even chosen as MVP in tournaments in 2006 and 2010. Before Salah, he was the star representing Egyptian football.
This is how Hassan touched Salah directly. Hasan was worried, “Salah has left the Egyptian national team. Even if he comes back, there is a possibility that he will be with Liverpool’s medical staff. Liverpool, not Egypt, may have a strong influence on Salah’s participation. “
He continued, “Salah is the captain of the Egyptian national football team. Even if he couldn’t play, he should have stayed in the team. Salah himself said that the Egyptian national football team is a team that represent all of Egypt, not Salah’s national Team. This is true. If so, go to England, “I shouldn’t have gone,” he said, raising his voice.
▲ Living.
It didn’t stop there. “All the Egyptian players in Ivory Coast are full of confidence and fighting for the title, but Salah didn’t,” said Hassan. “Salah’s absence alone can damage Egyptian football. The morale of the players has dropped. I have always supported Salah I was happy with him as the captain of the Egyptian team. But he should not have gone to England. He is the captain of Egypt. Regardless of how serious the injury is, he should remain the team. Every player is fighting on the field to win the title.” The intensity of criticism has increased.
The extent of Salah’s injury is not small. At the moment, it is not clear whether he will return to the Cup of Nations. Salah’s agent, Rami Abbas, said on the 23rd, “Salah’s injury is more serious than first thought. He will be out for around 21 to 28 days. Salah is currently rehabilitating intensively in England. The case scenario it is best that he will return as soon as possible. his body is recovering, “I will join the Egyptian national team again,” he announced.
It’s a shock for Liverpool and manager Klopp too. Immediately after Salah’s injury, Klopp said, “I was shocked the minute I heard about the injury. I spoke to Salah last night and asked about the extent of the injury.” “I will find out more details when it’s over,” he said, expressing feelings mixed Coach Klopp then did not hide his frustration, saying, “We will probably have an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then we have to see what Egypt is planning. It’ It’s too early to make a statement at this time.”
Egypt, who are aiming to win the tournament due to Salah’s absence, have a red light. Egypt, the country that has won the most Nations Cups with seven, was once again one of the strongest candidates for the title. But right now, we can’t be sure of winning.
▲ It will be difficult to participate for now.
This is the same for Liverpool. Liverpool are in first place in the Premier League with 14 wins, 6 draws and 1 loss, with 48 points. They are five points ahead of their rivals, second-placed Manchester City. Salah is the core of Liverpool’s power. With 14 goals, he is not only the team’s top scorer, but is also tied for the top scorer in the entire Premier League with Erling Haaland.
Liverpool, who already have to endure Salah’s absence in January and February due to his selection for the Cup of Nations, are in a dire situation. The odds of winning the Premier League vary greatly depending on the severity of Salah’s injury and recovery period. Salah’s bigger than expected injury has put Liverpool and Egypt’s championship lead in jeopardy.
This injury could also affect the renewal of Salah’s contract with Liverpool. Liverpool are pursuing a contract extension with Salah, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025. We intend to extend the contract period for another year. Salah is also positive about renewing his contract with Liverpool.
Detailed conditions are yet to be determined. It is expected that there will be a tug of war over the duration of the extended contract in the UK. Salah wants a long-term contract. The variable is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad are hoping to sign Salah for a big sum of money. They plan to deliver a whopping 2.45 million pounds (about 4 billion won) in weekly wages. Michael Emenalo, director of football for the Saudi Arabian League, expressed interest publicly, saying, “Salah is one of the best players on the planet. I once said I welcome anyone who wants to come to the Saudi League, including Salah.”
▲ Liverpool is also in crisis.
Meanwhile, Egypt failed to win even a single match in the Nations Cup Group Stage. The performance was not good enough to embarrass the championship contender title. Although they only had 3 draws, they finished 2nd in their group and progressed to the round of 16. Initially, Salah was supposed to join the national team if Egypt made it the semi-final. The Nations Cup semi-final will take place on February 8.
However, as Salah’s agent revealed, if the absence continues for at least three weeks or up to a month, it will be difficult for him to participate in the Cup of Nations. Actual use of the game may not be possible until March.
▲ You have to survive the winter without Salah.
Liverpool, who are in fierce competition with Manchester City for first place in the Premier League, are also in a heated battle. Without Salah, who accounts for an absolute proportion of the team’s attack, it is clear that the backbone of the team will decline at the end of the season. Salah’s unexpected injury disrupts Egypt and Liverpool’s plans.
Manager Klopp declined to comment when asked about Salah’s return timetable. “I don’t know either. I’ve been talking to Salah constantly since the injury. I’m also in constant contact with Liverpool’s medical team to check his condition,” he said.
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