Liverpool FC confirmed on Saturday that star forward Mohamed Salah will not participate in next week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania.
The 32-year-old Egyptian has been released early from international duty amid the ongoing October break, following a successful match on Friday where he scored in a 2-0 victory against the same opponents.
Salah’s performance on Friday was pivotal, as he netted a crucial goal in the 79th minute, securing Egypt’s win in the Group C clash.
Despite facing stiff resistance from Mauritania, the Pharaohs were able to break the deadlock when Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan scored the first goal in the 69th minute.
Salah’s late strike sealed the match, reinforcing Egypt’s perfect record in the qualifiers with three consecutive victories.
The decision for Salah’s early release comes amid concerns expressed by Egypt’s manager, Hossam Hassan, regarding the playing conditions in Mauritania.
Specifically, there were apprehensions about the artificial turf and the potential risk of injury for players, particularly as the squad aims for success in the upcoming fixture.
Currently, Egypt is sitting comfortably atop Group C, needing only a single point in their next match to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The team holds a significant six-point lead over its closest rivals, Cape Verde, Botswana, and Mauritania. This places Egypt in a favorable position as they head into the final stages of qualification.
Liverpool’s confirmation of Salah’s release is part of a broader announcement that also includes Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk.
The club revealed that Van Dijk would also not partake in further international matches this month after receiving two yellow cards during the Netherlands’ recent 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Hungary.
Both Salah and Van Dijk are expected to return to their club duties without further international commitments for October.
Liverpool’s decision to prioritize the health and fitness of its players is consistent with its approach to managing key talents.
Salah, who has been instrumental for both club and country, will likely use this time to recuperate and prepare for upcoming fixtures in the Premier League and European competitions.
The early release of both players highlights the ongoing balancing act faced by clubs and national teams as they navigate the congested international schedule.
Players like Salah and Van Dijk, who are vital to their clubs’ ambitions, must manage their workloads carefully to avoid injury and ensure peak performance.
With the October break providing a brief respite, Salah will now have the opportunity to focus on regaining energy and continuing his prolific scoring form once he returns to Liverpool.
As the Reds gear up for a challenging series of matches, Salah’s fitness will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European contests.
As the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on Egypt as they aim to extend their dominance in African football.
With Salah leading the charge, fans remain hopeful for a strong showing in the upcoming matches, setting the stage for a successful campaign in the tournament.