Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan has finalized Mohamed Salah's status for the upcoming match against South Sudan, with the captain set to be rested and left out of the traveling squad.
Egypt will face South Sudan on Tuesday, September 29, in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The coaching staff decided not to risk Salah's participation because of the playing surface.
Why Is Mohamed Salah Missing the South Sudan Match?
The Egypt national team coaching staff confirmed that Salah will be rested because the match will be played on an artificial-turf pitch.
In an official statement, the coaching staff explained that the condition of the pitch was the main reason behind the decision to keep the Egypt captain out of the match.
The decision comes at a time when Salah has been enjoying an impressive start with Turkish club Trabzonspor following his move after the end of his spell with Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah's Strong Start With Trabzonspor
Salah has made an impressive start with Trabzonspor since joining the Turkish club, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in his first six league appearances.
His latest performance against Galatasaray further highlighted his excellent form. Salah scored a hat-trick as Trabzonspor secured a convincing 4-0 victory.
The Egyptian forward has quickly established himself as an important attacking figure for his new club, attracting considerable attention with his early performances.
Mohamed Salah's Status for the South Africa Match
Attention will now turn to Mohamed Salah's availability for Egypt's match against South Africa on Sunday, October 4, at Cairo Stadium.
Following the decision to rest him against South Sudan, fans and the national team staff will be waiting to see whether Salah returns for the South Africa fixture.
His participation has not yet been confirmed, with the coaching staff expected to continue monitoring the situation during the international break.
Can Artificial Turf Increase Injury Risks?
Some medical opinions have raised concerns about potential injury risks associated with playing on artificial surfaces. However, previous research has not conclusively established that artificial turf necessarily causes serious injuries at a higher rate than natural grass.
The decision to rest Salah therefore comes as a precautionary measure linked to the playing surface.
Salah's Absence Against South Sudan Confirmed
Mohamed Salah's absence from Egypt's match against South Sudan is now confirmed after the national team coaching staff decided to rest him and leave him out of the traveling squad.
The main question in the coming days will be whether Salah returns against South Africa, particularly given his strong start with Trabzonspor and his importance to the Egypt national team.
Why is Mohamed Salah missing the South Sudan match?
He is being rested because the match will be played on an artificial-turf pitch.
When is Egypt vs. South Sudan?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Will Mohamed Salah travel with Egypt to South Sudan?
No. The decision was made to rest him and keep him out of the traveling squad.
When will Egypt face South Africa?
Egypt are scheduled to face South Africa on Sunday, October 4, at Cairo Stadium.
Will Mohamed Salah play against South Africa?
His participation has not yet been confirmed and remains under consideration by the coaching staff.
