The 60th minute clash: Why Mohamed Salah really left Hossam Hassan's Egypt camp

29.09.26 09:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

South Sudan

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Egypt

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Egypt national team captain Mohamed Salah will miss Tuesday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan due to concerns over the stadium's artificial pitch, the Egyptian Football Association EFA confirmed in an official statement.

Read Also: Egypt: Mohamed Salah ruled out against South Sudan, reason revealed

Artificial pitch prompts precautionary rest

Salah featured in Egypt's opening-round qualifying draw against Angola but head coach Hossam Hassan will be forced to cope without his talisman for Tuesday's trip.

The technical and medical staff made the collective decision to withdraw the forward from the fixture to avoid exposing him to the physical strain and injury risks frequently associated with synthetic surfaces.

While sports medical studies frequently debate the actual disparity in injury rates between natural grass and artificial turf, elite players often take precautions on synthetic pitches to safeguard against joint and muscular wear.

Lingering uncertainty for South Africa friendly

Following the competitive qualifier against South Sudan, Egypt are scheduled to face South Africa in an international friendly on Sunday. However, questions remain regarding whether Salah will take part in that contest.

According to British newspaper The Standard, there is currently no confirmed information on whether the forward will be involved against Bafana Bafana. His status for the weekend encounter remains open, with team doctors expected to evaluate his fitness schedule following Tuesday's match.

Hassan deprived of a decisive attacker

Salah's absence leaves a significant void in Egypt's forward line. The 34 year old ended a historic 9 year tenure at Liverpool this past summer where he recorded 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 appearances while collecting two Premier League crowns, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

He has transitioned smoothly to Turkish football, maintaining sharp form for Trabzonspor with seven goals and two assists in his first eight Süper Lig matches. Without his output on the right flank, Hassan will need to alter his tactical structure and rely on secondary attacking options to generate width and direct goal threat.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

South Sudan

Egypt

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations