The forward will undergo treatment at the club and it is likely that he has bid farewell to the AFCON (African Cup of Nations).

The situation surrounding Mohamed Salah, one of the world's most renowned footballers, has taken a concerning turn. According to his agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, Salah is facing a more severe injury than was initially anticipated. 

The Egyptian star is set to return to England this Wednesday for treatment, casting doubt on his further participation in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

Salah, a pivotal figure for both Liverpool and the Egyptian national team, is expected to be sidelined for an additional three to four weeks. This extended recovery period significantly diminishes the likelihood of his return to the AFCON 2023, even if Egypt, under the guidance of coach Rui Vitória, progresses to the final scheduled for February 11. The severity of Salah's situation not only impacts his national team's prospects in the tournament but also raises concerns for Liverpool, given his critical role in the club.

Issa's statement underscores the gravity of Salah's condition. He emphasizes that the injury will keep Salah off the pitch for about 21 to 28 days, extending well beyond the initial estimates of missing just two matches of the AFCON. The only slim possibility of Salah rejoining the Egyptian squad in the tournament hinges on him undergoing intensive treatments at Liverpool, followed by a potential return to the national team.

The nature of Salah's injury, a muscle strain incurred last week while representing Egypt, is particularly worrying for athletes. Muscle injuries, depending on their severity, can be notoriously tricky to manage and heal, often requiring careful and sometimes prolonged rehabilitation processes to avoid the risk of re-injury.

Salah's absence is a significant setback for both Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. For Liverpool, losing a player of Salah's caliber for up to a month could impact their performance in domestic and European competitions. As for Egypt, Salah's potential absence from the remaining matches of AFCON represents a considerable loss, given his exceptional skill, experience, and ability to influence the game's outcome.

The situation also sheds light on the challenges faced by top-level athletes and clubs in managing injuries, particularly in a packed football calendar with overlapping club and international commitments. The need for effective injury management and prevention strategies is ever more critical in the high-stakes, high-pressure world of professional football.

As Salah embarks on his recovery journey, fans and football enthusiasts around the world will be keenly watching for updates on his condition and hoping for a swift and complete recovery. His situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with elite-level football and the importance of player health and well-being.