Jurgen Klopp ruled out Mohamed Salah’s participation in Liverpool’s confrontation with Chelsea on Wednesday, in the 22nd round of the English Premier League.
In the introductory press conference about Salah’s participation, Klopp said, “Mohamed is not ready for tomorrow’s match and also for the next match against Arsenal. He is injured and muscle injuries take time. It could have been worse, so let’s wait.”
Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury in Egypt's 2-2 match with Ghana in the African Cup of Nations on January 18 and then returned to Liverpool to receive treatment.
Salah hoped that he would be able to return to the tournament in Côte d'Ivoire as soon as he recovered and regained his fitness. Still, the Pharaoh's team bid farewell to the "African wedding" through the gates of the Democratic Republic of the Congo last Sunday on penalties.
The German coach was quoted by the newspaper "Mirror" as saying, "There was no pressure on Salah other than his desire to regain his fitness as quickly as possible (...) In any case, we are not in a rush. He (Mohamed Salah) is not ready. He is out of Liverpool's accounts." In this match and the next match (...)”
Salah's future is in question as the Liverpool striker has only 18 months left on his contract, the same period remaining for Reds captain Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Klopp, who will leave in the summer, says there is nothing to worry about.
Klopp continued about renewing contracts with Van Dijk, Arnold, and Salah, saying: “There is enough time for everything. These players love being here. Do not forget that. Everything is fine. Do not worry. The boys love this place, and I know that.” "For a fact, these players love being here, don't forget the only annoying part is you, the press."
Liverpool will face Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday evening, before facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.