Mohamed Salah left out of Egypt squad for South Sudan tie over artificial turf
September 26, 2026 15:31
WHAT HAPPENED
The 34-year-old did not travel with the squad to Juba. The EFA statement said: "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 statement added: "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."
CONTEXT
Salah started Friday's goalless draw with Angola in Cairo but was substituted by coach Hossam Hassan after an hour. Friday's game was Egypt's first since their run to the last 16 of the World Cup in the summer.
Club form
Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years with the club, during which he made 442 appearances, scored 257 goals and won nine major trophies. He is now with Turkish side Trabzonspor and has seven goals and two assists in six Turkish Super Lig games this season.
INJURY RISK AND SURFACES
The EFA cited the playing surface as the reason for resting Salah. The source notes there is a perception of increased injury risk on artificial surfaces despite technological improvements, though studies have shown there is no evidence of a greater risk of injury.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Egypt play South Sudan in Juba on 29 September; Salah is not in the travelling squad for that fixture.