France, Dec. 22 -- "Salah's morale in training is very high," said Hassan on the eve of Egypt's opening match in Group B against Zimbabwe in Agadir.

"It is as if he were just starting out with the national team. I believe he will have a great Cup of Nations tournament with his country."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot failed to select Salah for the starting line-up for the five games before 33-year-old Salah departed for the Cup of Nations.

Tensions between the star striker and Slot rose following Liverpool's draw at Leeds United on 6 December. Salah claimed after the game at Elland Road that he was being blamed for the team's botched defence of their English Premier League title.

"I feel his motivation is very, very strong," added Hassan wh...