Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been released from international duty following injury concerns. The decision was taken by the Egypt National Team management following concerns over playing on artificial grass.
The technical staff of Egypt’s senior football team led by manager Hossam Hassan held a meeting with Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Pharaohs. It was agreed during the meeting to rest the player from the upcoming match.
-Egypt FA Official Statement
An official statement was released by the Egyptian Football Association in regards to the decision. Head coach Hassan and the management met with the captain and resting him was agreed for the upcoming match.
If any player asks not to play the next match, which will be on an artificial turf pitch, I will agree. The Mauritanian national team plays hard and with violent tackles as well.
If Salah asks me not to play the next match, I will agree because of the difficulty of the pitch and in order to preserve him.
-Hossan Hassan
The national team manager also cited the difficulties of playing on an artificial turf. In top-level football, artificial turf is considered one of the worst pitches to play on as injuries are more likely to occur on the same.
“Liverpool did not ask me for anything” – Hossam Hassan
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan says this was purely in the best interests of the player and the nation
According to Hassan, the Mauritania national team players play violently and the Egyptian manager would like to preserve Salah for the future.
Hossam also claims that he’ll allow any player to not play the match citing the high risk of injury. Egypt would like to preserve their best players for more important fixtures as they currently stand top of their group.
The Pharaohs have won three out of three games in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The African nation will want to continue this record even without their main man Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool did not ask me for anything, and no professional asked me not to play the match.
-Hossam Hassan
Hassan also told the media that Liverpool did not ask him to take this decision. This was purely in both Salah’s and Egypt’s best interests and had nothing to do with the English club.
Whether Liverpool had anything to do with it or not, Arne Slot has been handed a major boost. With many players out due to injury, Slot will be happy to have Salah back unscathed.
The Egyptian will probably start training early with other players who aren’t out for national duty. With backup Federico Chiesa doubtful for the Chelsea clash, Salah’s early arrival will be a relief for Arne Slot.
