Record seven-time champions Egypt were dealt a major blow on Friday as captain Mohamed Salah was ruled out of two Africa Cup of Nations games with a hamstring injury,
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed in a statement that Liverpool star Salah would not be able to return for his country’s assignment unless they reach the quarterfinals at the tournament.
The 31-year-old came off late in the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday. He will therefore sit out Monday’s final group game against Cape Verde and any last-16 tie that would follow that.
Salah will therefore only feature again at the competition if Egypt make it to a quarterfinal.
Senegal, who beat Salah’s Egypt on penalties in the final of the last AFCON, clinched a spot in the next round with one group game to spare thanks to a 3-1 victory over Cameroon in Yamoussoukro on Friday.
