The president's injuries are much more severe than originally reported. (Creative Commons)

Amid escalating civil turmoil in his country, Saleh was literally caught in the crossfire last Friday when a rocket attack hit his presidential palace.

Saleh has not appeared in public since that day, when it was reported that he was struck by a piece of shrapnel.

On Monday, vice president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said Saleh was being treated in Saudi Arabia and would return to Yemen within “days” to resume leadership.

Tuesday’s reports from Yemeni and U.S. officials cast a shadow of doubt over Saleh’s ability to return.

Gerald Feierstein, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen, told members of the opposition calling for Saleh’s resignation to begin preparing for post-Saleh rule, according to The National.

The news that Saleh was being shipped to Saudi Arabia prompted celebration in the capital of Sanaa Friday, where thousands of protestors have been camping out since opposition efforts began in February.

Under Yemeni letter, Mansour Hadi has official power until Saleh's return.

However, officials have indicated he may be too badly injured to resume responsibility.

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