January 23rd 2024.
Liverpool's assistant coach, Pepijn Lijnders, stands by the club's decision to allow Mohamed Salah to begin his recovery from a hamstring injury with their own medical staff. The Egyptian football team's hopes for the AFCON tournament were dealt a blow when their captain sustained a significant tear in their first game against Ghana. Initially, it was thought to be a minor injury, but his agent, Ramy Abbas, confirmed on Monday that the damage was more severe than expected.
In a post on X, Salah's representative stated that he would be out for 21-28 days, which means he will miss more than just two games. To increase his chances of playing in the remaining matches of the AFCON, the best course of action was for him to undergo intensive rehabilitation in the UK and rejoin the team when he is fit. This decision sparked controversy, with some, like Egypt legend Ahmed Hassan, believing that Salah should have stayed with his teammates and relied on the national team's medical staff for a speedy recovery.
Lijnders, on the other hand, firmly believes that Salah's chances of returning to the tournament in top form are best served by receiving treatment from Liverpool's physios. The team is still in contention, and Salah's presence could be crucial in the latter stages of the competition. Lijnders spoke about Salah's commitment and dedication to his profession, saying that he has never met anyone who is as devoted to being a professional football player as Salah.
The assistant coach also expressed the team's devastation upon learning of Salah's injury. He had an impressive performance in the first game, scoring, assisting, and even captaining the team. However, the decision for him to return to Liverpool was made in the hopes of giving him the best chance of being available for the final if Egypt reaches it. Initially, it was believed that Salah would only be out for a few days or a week, but a detailed scan revealed the extent of the injury, which could take up to four weeks to heal.
Lijnders is thankful that the medical teams of both Egypt and Liverpool were in close contact and worked together to make this decision. He sees it as an example of how international and club teams should cooperate and put the player's well-being at the center. For Salah, being in a stable environment, surrounded by familiar faces, and having people who are focused on his rehabilitation process, is what's best for his recovery. The assistant coach is hopeful that Salah will return to the field stronger and more determined than ever before.
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