Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is set to return to Merseyside from the Africa Cup of Nations for treatment on a muscle injury, as confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association.

The forward sustained the injury during Egypt’s second group-stage match against Ghana, a pulsating 2-2 draw. The 31 year old is expected to miss the next two AFCON matches if Egypt advances.

The Egyptian FA stated on Sunday:

“After additional examinations were conducted on Mohamed Salah during the last hours, and after communication between the national team’s medical staff and his counterpart at Liverpool FC, it was decided that the player will return to England after the Cape Verde match tomorrow to complete his treatment, with the hope that he will join the national team in the semi-final of the AFCON if we qualify.”

The Pharaohs take on group winners Cape Verde tomorrow (20:00 GMT kickoff time) knowing anything short of a victory will see them crash out of the competition. It’s a tough task to navigate without their talisman.