Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool after being released early from international duty with Egypt.
The 32-year-old forward was given the opportunity to sit out Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Mauritania on Tuesday due to concerns over playing on their artificial pitch.
A statement from the Egyptian FA read: “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.”
Hassan told reporters after Friday’s 2-0 win over the same opponents that any player concerned about the threat of injury could miss the return game in north-west Africa. As well as the state of the pitch, Hassan also cited “hard and violent tackles” from the Mauritanian national team.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has also been released from the Netherlands squad following his red card in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Hungary in the UEFA Nations League. Van Dijk is suspended for their trip to Germany on Monday.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has not travelled with the England squad for their game in Finland on Sunday due to a personal commitment.
Having Salah and Van Dijk back at Kirkby from the start of next week will be a big boost for Arne Slot as preparations start for next Sunday’s return to Premier League action at home to Chelsea.
(Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
