AFCON 2023: Senegal’s Sadio Mane Sends Message to Egypt’s Mohamed Salah After Injury Setback

• Mohamed Salah's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations could be over
• The Egypt star is set to return to Liverpool to continue his recovery from injury
• His ex-teammate, Senegal's Sadio Mane, has sent Salah a lovely message after the news

Egypt were dealt a massive blow after their captain, Mohamed Salah, was forced off with injury in their 2-2 draw against Egypt.

He has been ruled out of their last game against Cape Verde, and his former Liverpool teammate, Senegal's Sadio Mane, has sent his best wishes.

Salah's injury was diagnosed as a hamstring issue and was expected to be out for two games, but it appears the Liverpool star will miss the entire tournament.

The winger will return to Liverpool to continue his recovery. He will leave Egypt's camp after their game against Cape Verde.

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Jurgen Klopp confirmed the news after Liverpool's 4-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.

"That’s the plan, if that’s already been decided 100% I don’t know,” said Klopp. “But that’s the plan," via Liverpool Echo.

"I spoke to Mo on the night it happened but since then he is in contact with our doctor and the doc tells me the news and I think he will be back.”

Mane's message to Salah

Mane and Salah played together for a few seasons at Liverpool, helping them recapture their former glory. They won plenty of trophies under Jurgen Klopp.

The Senegal winger sent his former teammate a heartfelt message after their 3-1 win over Cameroon.

“I am sorry for him because unfortunately, it’s part of football,” he said via KingFut.

Mane compared Salah's injury to his injury just before the 2022 World Cup.

“He wants to help his team and achieve the win with his teammates, but the injury is beyond his control."

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“It’s a part of football you have to deal with, and I understand it. I too got injured before the 2022 World Cup, so I feel sad for him, but that’s football.”

Salah's injury could be catastrophic for the Pharaohs, who haven't qualified for the last 16 yet. They face Cape Verde and need a win to secure a spot. If they go through, they will sorely miss Salah's quality and experience.

The seven-time AFCON champions have two points from their two Group B games against Mozambique and Ghana.

Cape Verde send warning to Egypt

Cape Verde have sent a warning to Egypt ahead of their Group B clash on January 22 in a crucial match for the record AFCON champions.

Blue Sharks forward Garry Rodrigues has insisted his side would be going for maximum points despite already qualifying for the Round of 16, as Sports Brief reported earlier.

The Islanders upset Ghana in their first game of the AFCON before comfortably beating Mozambique in their second game to seal their place in the Round of 16.