Salah’s controversial absence kicks in

The selector of Egypt, Hossam Hassantried today to calm the rumors about the situation of Mohamed Salah after his absence in tomorrow’s match against South Sudanqualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup, will fuel the debate in the local media.

The real cause of Salah’s absence is a source of controversy within the Egyptian team since the disappointing 0-0 draw on Friday against Angola in Cairo on the first day of Group B. In that match the legendary former striker of the Liverpool, currently in the Trabzonspor Turkish, was substituted midway through the second half and left the camp the next day.

Although the Egyptian Football Federation reported that Salah’s absence was due to the match against South Sudan being played on artificial turf, speculation increased after Hassan claimed that the substitution was due to “technical reasons” despite the player’s great form in his last games with Trabzosnpor, which he joined this summer after nine splendid years at Liverpool.

The statements of the controversy

The Egyptian press also links the controversy to comments by Hassan regarding veteran players. Thus, on Thursday, in the preview of the match against Angola, he said of the goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who, at 37 years old, has not been included in the call: “At a certain point, he was finished and not playing for his club, yet he regained his level through the Egyptian national team. And it was not just him, but also other players.”

Some words that have raised doubts about the atmosphere within the Egyptian team. In fact, the Egyptian media consider that Salah’s absence against South Sudan is due to internal tensions.

Hossam Hassan, conciliator

Hassan adopted a conciliatory tone today before the trip to Juba, capital of South Sudan. underlining Salah’s importance to Egypt’s plans. “I respect all the players, especially Mohamed Salah. He is an important and influential player, one of the key pillars of the team, a great player and a vital member of the squad, as well as one of the best footballers in the world,” declared the coach. Egyptian.

The coach explained that Salah’s absence had been agreed between them before the game against Angola due to concerns about the artificial surface of the South Sudan stadium.

“We decided to give Salah a rest because of the artificial grass pitch. He had spoken to me about this matter before the game against Angola and we reached an agreement,” Hassan said. “We need Salah for the next games. “The well-being of each player is my top priority and I have full confidence in all of them,” he added.