Klopp admits Salah is 'the most loyal Egyptian' he's ever met

Klopp tried to defuse a potential club versus country row involving Liverpool and Egypt's Mohamed Salah heading back to England from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward has returned to England for treatment on a hamstring tear to give him what Liverpool hope will be the best chance to be available for the Africa Cup of Nations final, should Egypt be involved in the February 11 showpiece in Abidjan.

But there were reports that Klopp providing an update on Salah's fitness has caused problems for Egypt officials who wanted to make a similar announcement themselves. Klopp stressed he had not "intentionally" spoken out of turn, with both Liverpool and Egypt keen to uphold Salah's best interests.

"Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible. If he stays in Africa and they can't do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament," he told 'beIN Sports' on Wednesday.

"We bring him here not because we want to take him away from Egypt but just to offer the best medical treatment. It's all agreed. If Salah is fit and Egypt go to the final, it was always clear, he goes back, 100%. Mo wants that, we want that," he added.

"All parties agreed that it makes sense he is doing rehab here. We have a season to play so we want him fit but if he is fit earlier then as long as Egypt is still in the tournament he will go back, that is clear. Then it's a win-win."

Moreover, the German manager admitted that the 31-year-old is "the most loyal Egyptian he has ever met". "If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I've met in my life," Klopp said.

Salah's injury is also a blow to Liverpool's quest for just a second Premier League title in 34 years. Jurgen Klopp's men are five points clear at the top of the table, but will now be without their top goalscorer for crucial matches at home to Chelsea and away to Arsenal.