Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had reportedly tested positive on November 13 but there was some confusion as the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had soon deleted the statement, saying that three Egyptian players had tested positive along with their Saturday's opponents Togo, and there will be a second test before the match.
However, a follow-up test later on Friday also proved positive, as was confirmed by the EFA in a statement, "Egyptian National Team and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has undergone a second test, and the results have confirmed that Salah tested positive for (the global virus)," forcing the 28-year-old into self-isolation.
"Salah is keeping a high spirit and is not showing any symptoms of the virus. He has been isolated and the National Team's doctor is currently liaising with Dr Jim Moxon, head of Liverpool FC's medical staff, regarding this matter."
Ahead of a doubleheader against Togo in Africa Cup of Nations qualification, Salah got the call-up for Egypt. The match will be played in Egypt on Saturday before the squad travels to the West African nation for Tuesday's return fixture.
It must be noted that Salah had attended his brother's wedding recently, and a video of the event showed him dancing with no social distancing or face masks in place. However, Ashraf Sobhi, the Minister of Sports & Youth in Egypt, has said that health and safety protocols were safely followed at the wedding ceremony.
Mo Salah busting out the moves at his brothers wedding 🕺🏼pic.twitter.com/Rjk5oDN7lp
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) November 10, 2020
Salah has been in top form for the Reds in the ongoing Premier League games, with eight goals to his name, and the news will no doubt be a significant blow to Jurgen Klopp, having already lost the services of central defender Joe Gomez during the international break after the England international suffered a knee injury whilst training and had to undergo surgery, putting him out for a few months. Gomez joined Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold in a long list of injury-related absentees this season.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Miguel Medina
