Following their disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Egypt have now refused a request made by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool regarding Mohamed Salah.
The Reds star was forced off the field during his national side's 2-2 draw with Ghana in their second group-stage match in the Ivory Coast, and was then ruled out for their fixture against Cape Verde with a spot in the knockout rounds on the line.
After sustaining the injury, the 31-year-old was in attendance as his national side drew 2-2 to secure their place in the round of 16 with a second-place finish, before deciding jet back to Merseyside where he would undergo treatment on his injury – a decision that sparked much controversy as he missed the Pharaohs' round of 16 defeat to DR Congo as he worked to get back to full fitness.
The attacker made his return to the pitch during Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Brentford last month, but has not made another appearance since, with it believed that he aggravated the hamstring injury he suffered at AFCON.
With Egypt set to compete in a friendly tournament in the United Arab Emirates during the international break later this month, one that will also include Tunisia, Croatia and New Zealand, the 19-time Premier League winners requested that the national team exclude Salah from their squad for the competition.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA), however, has rejected that request.
"We have already received a letter from Liverpool to exempt Mohamed Salah from the upcoming camp due to his injury," the EFA said in a statement per Anfield Watch.
"We sent the name of Mohamed Salah among the professional players that we are requesting to include in the next camp a few days ago.
"It is our right to include any professional player as long as it is at the time of the international agenda, and the issue of whether or not to include him is in the hands of the national team's technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan.
"It is still too early to decide the matter, and if Mohamed Salah plays any match in the time before the start of the camp, we will adhere to his inclusion, and he will be examined and his readiness determined by the medical staff of the Egyptian national team.
"The Merseyside club, meanwhile, are preparing for two important fixtures this week. They will take on Sparta Praha in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 encounter on Thursday.
The side will then face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League fixture on Sunday as the title race heats up.
Jurgen Klopp and his men are currently top of the EPL table, but are just one point ahead of the Citizens.
Speaking ahead of their dramatic 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the German tactician revealed that Salah is not too far off from a return, but it remains to be seen if he will feature against City this coming weekend.
The Egypt international ranks third on the EPL's 2023/24 scoring chart with 15 goals, behind Ollie Watkins in second (with 16) and Erling Haaland (18).
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
