Liverpool could be handed a huge boost, as Egypt's technical director has confirmed Mohamed Salah is free to leave international duty early.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Egypt offer Salah early exitFears over Mauritania gameOpponents described as 'violent'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Salah has been told by Egypt that he can skip Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Mauritania, as they play on an artificial pitch, which has sparked fears of a potential injury to the Liverpool star. The country's technical director, Hossam Hassan, has claimed that Mauritania are capable of "violent interventions", and as such, the ball has been placed in Salah's court
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Virgil van Dijk is already heading back to Anfield, having been sent off against Hungary. As he is suspended for the Netherlands' clash with Germany on Monday, he has been released back to his club. Now, Salah will have to make a decision on whether he will do the same. He scored in last week's 2-0 win over the same opponents.
WHAT HASSAN SAID
Hassan said: "If any player asks me not to play on artificial turf, I will agree. The Mauritanian team plays hard and with violent interventions, and their field is not the best. If Salah specifically asks me to do so, I will agree."
He added: “I was very worried about the Mauritania match, and the pitch there is very difficult. Even if I don’t win there, it doesn’t matter. What matters to me is that I don’t lose.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and play Chelsea next Sunday. Having both Salah and Van Dijk back early would be an immense boost for Arne Slot's side.