Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is in serious danger of missing out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed the winger suffered a serious injury during the 2018 UEFA Champions League final.
“It’s a serious injury, a really serious injury,” Klopp told the media after his side’s loss in Kiev.
Salah was brought down in an ungainly manner by Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos and unfortunately as the players tumbled to the pitch, the African’s arm got caught under the Spaniard’s body.
The Liverpool winger, who’s been in prolific form for club and country for the past year, was in intense discomfort and despite attention from the club’s physios, was unable to carry on.
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“He is in the hospital for an X-ray. It’s either the collarbone or the shoulder itself. It doesn’t look good, that’s it,” the German tactician added.
Adam Lallana replaced Salah in the 30th minute with the scores level at 0-0 but Liverpool were unable to shake off the loss of their talisman as they eventually slumped to a 3-1 loss.
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Karim Benzema scored the opener in fortuitous circumstances for Los Blancos and while Sadio Mane momentarily restored parity, Gareth Bale scored a quick fire double to ensure Real’s three-peat.
After Klopp’s initial diagnosis, speculation is rife that Salah has suffered a dislocated shoulder but a collarbone injury is even worse and at this stage, it looks likely he will not take part in this summer’s World Cup.
The quadrennial extravaganza, which is taking place in Russia, kicks off on June 14.
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Egypt, drawn in Group A alongside hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, open their campaign on June 15 when they take on La Celeste at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg.