Liverpool assistant insists 'you should NEVER doubt Salah's commitment' to Egypt

Liverpool have insisted Mo Salah's return to Merseyside was planned with the full co-operation of Egypt's medical team and that the star winger will be allowed to return for the AFCON final if his torn hamstring repairs in time.

Egypt boss Rui Vitoria criticised Jurgen Klopp for commenting on Salah's injury before his country's clash with Cape Verde with the winger watching from the stands as they qualified for the knockout stages.

Egypt legend Ahmed Hassan also claimed as the national captain, Salah should remain in the Ivory Coast to support his team but on Tuesday, Reds assistant-manager Pep Lijnders clarified the player's return to his club on Wednesday for treatment was agreed by all parties.

'You should never doubt the commitment of Mo Salah. I have never met anyone more committed to being a footballer,' said Lijnders.

'I know his country is devastated by what has happened to their captain and goalscorer but the only reason our medical team and their medical team decided he should come back here is to give him the best chance to be available for the final (on February 11) if Egypt reach it.

'When they made a detailed scan, they saw a proper tear in his hamstring that talks three to four weeks to get back playing – if everything goes smoothly.

'What I am really happy about is the medial teams of Egypt and Liverpool worked together and were in close contact and both made the decision.

'It is an example of how club football and international football should cooperate to the put the player in the centre.

'How it works is all of us make the best decision what is best for him. A stable environment at a facility with people who have the time for the rehab process.'

Liverpool have also received a boost for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Fulham on Wednesday with Andy Robertson set to feature for the first time since October when he dislocated a shoulder on international duty for Scotland.

Lijnders confirmed: 'Robbo has clearance to train fully with contact. I saw him at breakfast and he said 'Look, I've brought my tracksuit!'.

'It's nice to see him back. He is one of our captains though I also have to speak about Joe Gomez who has probably been one of our most consistent players this season.

'The medical team said it is now a coaching decision about Robbo, so he's in (the squad)!'

Liverpool take a 2-1 lead to Craven Cottage. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai miss out but should be able to return against Norwich in The FA Cup on Sunday.