Liverpool Handed Major Injury Boost Ahead of International Break

Mohamed Salah made his long-awaited return from injury in Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of Sparta Praha on Thursday. The Reds, who sent their star attacker to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this season, will have him at their disposal during the upcoming international break.

Salah Left Out of Egypt Squad for Abu Dhabi Tournament

A Failed Recovery

Salah picked up a hamstring injury in Egypt’s AFCON match against Ghana on January 18, returning to Liverpool to start his recovery process. The 31-year-old made his comeback in mid-February, playing for the Reds in their 4-1 victory over Brentford. However, he was sidelined again with what was described “muscle fatigue” after the game.

Despite fears of a potential injury relapse, he bounced back fairly quickly from the new fitness setback. On Thursday, he was given ten minutes of playing time against Sparta Praha as Jurgen Klopp’s men made a big step toward reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

The Liverpool superstar will have more time to work on his recovery as he is allowed to stay at Anfield during the upcoming international break.

Salah Avoids International Duty

Earlier this month, Liverpool asked Egypt to exempt the striker from their next squad, but the request was swiftly rejected. The Pharaohs are preparing to participate in a friendly tournament, where they will compete against New Zealand, Tunisia, and Croatia in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the initial reaction, however, Egypt left Salah out of their official squad for the tournament. This gives the striker more time to prepare for a host of crucial matches after the international break, including a Northwest Derby against Manchester United in early April.

Liverpool’s Full Injury list

Klopp has other squad concerns besides Salah’s injury as the Reds continue playing in three competitions. At the moment, nine Liverpool players are out with different fitness issues.

Joel Matip is not expected to make another appearance for Liverpool since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December. Klopp has also hinted that Thiago Alcantara might not be able to return before the summer as he struggles to come back from a thigh injury.

Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury since mid-February, will most likely stay out of action until after the international break. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are also expected to make their respective returns around the same time.

Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are both out with foot injuries. According to the manager, Jones could make his return before the international break, but Gravenberch will stay sidelined until Liverpool’s match against Bright on March 31.

Stefan Bajcetic, who has missed the majority of the current campaign with an adductor injury, has inched closer to joining team training in recent weeks. However, Klopp has avoided giving a timeline for his return.

Ibrahima Konate suffered a minor thigh injury against Sparta Praha earlier this week. The Frenchman is expected to reclaim his place in Liverpool’s backline for the second leg of the Europa League tie next Thursday.