Salah to have final say on Olympic involvement

Gharib has confirmed he plans to include Salah as one of his three over-age players for the tournament due to take place in Tokyo.

The final of the men’s event will be held on August 8 – the day before the 2020/21 Premier League season gets underway - which means if Salah does opt to represent Egypt at the Games, he will almost certainly miss the start of the domestic campaign.

Gharib, who will announce his 18-man squad for the finals in June, hopes Salah will make himself available but admits the decision will ultimately rest with the player, his club and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Gharib said: “We cannot force Salah to participate with us because FIFA regulations do not compel him to participate. Salah is one of the top three players in the world and any team hopes to have a player of his capabilities in the squad…”