Mohamed Salah will not be able to participate in Egypt’s friendly match against Nigeria before the Africa Cup of Nations, according to coach Arne Slot.
Coach Hossam Hassan had hoped to include Salah in the Pharaohs’ final friendly before the tournament, which will see them face the Super Eagles on December 14.
At the pre-match press conference before the Sunderland game, Slot was asked about Salah’s arrival date, to which he replied, “December 15. That’s what FIFA decided.”
The Dutch coach added, “The way we’ve worked is to maintain communication between the three parties: the player, the club, and the national team. This isn’t new, but FIFA announced that December 15 is the last day for players to leave.”
Regarding how to compensate for Salah’s absence, Slot said, “We have to adapt and find a way to play without him.”
He concluded, “Fortunately, during my time here, he’s been an exceptional player, but for all players around the world, there are times at the club when you’re only human. He’s scored many goals for us, and I’m sure he will continue to do so in the future.” Salah was on the bench for the first time under Arne Slott in a Premier League match, when Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 last Saturday.
Egypt finds itself in a tough group at the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Hossam Hassan’s team kicks off its campaign on December 22 in Morocco.
