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Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hossam Hassan said the decision to return Salah to Liverpool early was taken with the input of Liverpool’s medical staff with an eye to his long-term fitness.
With Egypt playing their second Africa Cup of Nations qualifier of the October international break against Mauritania on artificial turf with Mohamed Salah nursing a minor injury, the superstar forward was released to return to Liverpool earlier in the week.
According to national team manager Hossam Hassan, it was a decision taken in consort with the player and Liverpool’s medical staff with an eye both to his involvement in the next round of qualifiers and Salah’s long-term fitness during a hectic schedule.
“I respected Salah’s request for rest in the game against Mauritania,” Hassan said following The Pharaohs’ 1-0 victory over Mauritania on Tuesday. “The Liverpool medical team warned us about a slight injury he felt, that he had a minor back and joint issue.”
“Salah’s participation against Mauritania would be a risk, therefore we preferred not to have him participate. We prioritised Salah’s health so didn’t want to risk him, and I must support our players and collaborate with their clubs to ensure long-term fitness.”
Egypt defeated Mauritania 2-0 at home on Friday with Salah scoring the second goal. On the road they won 1-0 on Tuesday without him. Added to victories over Botswana and Cape Verde in September, it means Egypt are qualified with two games to play.
They sit first in Group C with 12 points while Botswana are second on six and Cape Verde and Mauritania have three points each. The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will off December 21st next year in Morocco with the finale on January 18, 2026.
