Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has faced criticism from Egyptian football legend Ahmed Hassan for leaving the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to return to Liverpool for injury treatment.
Salah sustained a hamstring injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana in their second group game.
Despite being the captain of the national team, Salah opted to leave the national team camp for treatment and is expected to miss Egypt’s group stage match against Cape Verde on Monday.
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Ahmed Hassan expressed his disappointment with Salah’s decision, emphasizing that as the captain, Salah should have remained with the national side.
Speaking to the Mirror, Hassan questioned the AFCON regulations regarding a player leaving the national team camp and returning.
He argued that Salah, being the captain, should have stayed with the team regardless of the circumstances and suggested that Liverpool’s medical staff could have been brought in to provide treatment during the competition.
Hassan stated, “He is the captain. He should stay with the team no matter what, even if he only had one leg to stand on.” He also highlighted Salah’s previous statement that the national team is not solely dependent on him, and other competent players in the squad can step up and contribute to the team’s success.
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Salah’s further participation in AFCON hinges on the outcome of Egypt’s crucial group-stage clash against Cape Verde on Monday. The Liverpool winger’s decision to prioritize his club treatment over national team duty has sparked a debate over player commitment and responsibilities during international competitions.
