Egypt Make Major Salah Decision Ahead Of South Sudan World Cup Qualifier

Mohamed Salah has been left out of Egypt’s squad for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan because of concerns over the artificial playing surface at the venue.

The Egypt captain started Friday’s goalless draw against Angola but will not travel with the team for the Group L encounter at Juba Stadium.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Egyptian Football Association said the decision to rest the 34-year-old forward had been agreed upon before the Angola fixture as part of efforts to protect him from the potential effects of playing on the artificial surface.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan reportedly made the decision after discussions with Salah and members of his technical team.

“The Egypt national team’s technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan, has decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan scheduled for 29 September because of the playing surface,” the Egyptian Football Association said.

The federation added that the decision had been discussed with Salah before the Angola match, with the technical staff opting to protect the forward by keeping him out of the South Sudan encounter.

Salah’s absence comes despite his strong start to the season in Turkey, where he has reportedly recorded seven goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions.

It remains unclear whether the former Liverpool star will feature in Egypt’s friendly against South Africa next Sunday.

The decision means Egypt will be without one of its most experienced players as the team continues its campaign for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah ended his nine-year spell with Liverpool in June after establishing himself as one of the club’s most prolific players. During his time at Anfield, he helped the club win two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.

The former Chelsea and Roma forward finished his Liverpool career with 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 appearances, according to the statistics provided in the report.

At international level, Salah has also remained a key figure for Egypt, recording 66 goals and 37 assists in 120 appearances.