Salah ruled out by Egypt for South Sudan clash over artifical playing field
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.
The Egypt captain started Friday’s goalless draw with Angola but will not travel with the squad for the Group L encounter at Juba Stadium.
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The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the decision was agreed before the Angola fixture as part of an approach to protect the 34-year-old forward.
Egypt explain Salah decision
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan opted to rest Salah after discussions with the player and his technical staff over the surface at the South Sudanese venue.
“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 EFA said.
“It was agreed between the national team’s technical staff and Mohamed Salah before the Angola match that he would not play against South Sudan, and the technical staff preferred this approach in order to protect the player.”
Salah’s absence comes despite his strong start to life in Turkey, where he has registered seven goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
It remains unclear whether he will feature in Egypt’s friendly against South Africa next Sunday.
Salah’s remarkable Liverpool record
The decision also means Egypt will be without one of their most experienced players as they continue their AFCON qualification campaign.
Salah ended his nine-year spell at Liverpool in June after becoming one of the club’s most prolific players.
During his time at Anfield, he helped the Reds win the Premier League twice, alongside the Champions League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.
The former Roma and Chelsea forward finished his Liverpool career with 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 appearances.
At international level, Salah has also remained a key figure for Egypt, contributing 66 goals and 37 assists in 120 appearances.