Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Mohamed Salah has been confirmed to miss Egypt’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania.
The forward is set to return to Liverpool early, avoiding a potential injury on Mauritania’s risky artificial pitch.
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Salah sidesteps risky pitch in Mauritania
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan revealed after Friday’s 2-0 win over Mauritania that he would allow any player to skip the return leg due to the rough playing conditions and “violent tackles” from the opposition.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that Salah will not travel to Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya, instead heading back to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre.
In a statement, the Egyptian FA shared, “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.”
This decision comes as a big boost for Liverpool ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea next Sunday.
With Salah returning early, he will be well-rested and ready for the upcoming challenge.
Both Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who left the Netherlands camp following a red card, are expected to join Liverpool’s training sessions soon, just in time for the crucial showdown against Chelsea.
For Liverpool fans, this is excellent news, especially with injuries already impacting key players like Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott.
