Following his impending return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to receive injury treatment, Mohamed Salah’s commitment should never be questioned, according to Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
In the hopes of being able to return to the national team should they make it to the later stages of the competition, the Egypt captain is scheduled to return from the Ivory Coast on Wednesday in order for the club’s medical staff to handle his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
Ahmed Hassan, the record-holding Egypt captain, criticized Salah’s decision, saying the 31-year-old should have stayed with the team “even if he only had one leg to stand on.” However, Lijnders has jumped to Salah’s defense.
“Mo Salah is the one whose commitment you should never question,” he declared.
“As a player and a person, I have never met a guy who is more dedicated to his career as a professional football player.
“I am aware that his passing has devastated the nation. Hearing that he was hurt devastated us.
“He was crucial to the team and played the first game, scoring and providing assists. However, the only reason our medical team and their medical team decided to send him back was to give him the best chance to be available should Egypt advance to the final.
“I’m extremely pleased that Liverpool Football Club and Egypt’s medical teams collaborated, kept in constant communication, and came to this decision as a team.
“Because there is a conflict of interest, it is an illustration of how club and international football should work together to place the player in the center and not the targets of everyone.”
We all decided what was best for him, and we know how this facility operates. He benefits from having a stable environment, people he knows, and people who are willing to devote their time to his rehabilitation.
