Mohamed Salah devastated by Egypt Africa Cup of Nations loss, which saw boss Javier Aguirre sacked
The hosts were beaten 1-0 by South Africa to send them home at the last 16 stage, but it means he will be back sooner for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah's hopes of adding another trophy to his season were ended by South Africa in the last 16 on Saturday.
His Egypt side were eliminated in the Africa Cup of Nations by an 85th-minute Thembinkosi Lorch goal in Cairo, where Salah played the whole match.
And on the final whistle the top scoring Liverpool forward appeared inconsolable and close to tears. It was only in June when he was celebrating Champions League glory with his club and despite going into the tournament, hosts Egypt were flat in the knockout stage.
Salah scored twice en route to the game as Egypt came through their group with a 100 per cent record, but was understood to be ill going into the last 16 tie.
Following the defeat, manager Javier Aguirre lost his job and Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has resigned.
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The forward will now go on holiday before returning to Liverpool for pre-season training ahead of their Premier League opener against Norwich on 9 August.
Before that, though, the Reds play Tranmere, Bradord City, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Sporting, Napoli and Lyon in July, while there is the Community Shield final on 4 August against Manchester City.
Egypt's elimination means Salah should be back for the game against Lyon, in Geneva on 31 July.
Sadio Mane, meanwhile, will remain in Egypt a little longer as his Senegal side reached the quarter-finals at Uganda's expense.