Jurgen Klopp issues warning about premature return for Mohamed Salah

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp urged patience when asked about a potential return date for star forward Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian is currently undergoing rehab back on Merseyside for a hamstring injury sustained during Africa Cup of Nations duty earlier this month.

Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, had initially suggested that the forward would be out for three to four weeks in the immediate aftermath of the injury sustained during Egypt's second group game against Ghana.

Now, amid Egypt's AFCON exit, this raised hopes for a Reds comeback in the home match against Burnley on 10 February.

However, during his press conference to preview Wednesday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, the Reds boss looked to temper expectations about a return.

He said: "He's just doing his rehab," underlining the importance of patience in the recovery process.

When pushed for a specific return date, the German added: "He's not ready for this game [against Chelsea], not ready for the next game [against Arsenal]… and then not.

"He's injured. I'm not sure if there was a misunderstanding in the beginning. He's injured, and a muscle injury takes time."

"You cannot rush"

Klopp then went on to stress the unpredictable nature of muscle injuries, using Thiago's case as an example: "You cannot rush. If you could rush the healing process, believe me, Thiago wouldn't have been out for ten months."

Salah, who flew back from the Ivory Coast following Egypt's exit, now finds himself alongside Thiago in the treatment room at the AXA Training Centre.

While Salah continues his rehabilitation, Klopp revealed that Thiago has made a successful return to training after a prolonged absence due to hip surgery last April.

The Spaniard's return to the first-team fold could be timely amid Wataru Endo's extended run in the Asian Cup.

Japan face Bahrain in the round of 16 tomorrow and are strong favourites to progress to the next round.