Overview
- The EFA confirmed Mohamed Salah will not play against South Sudan because the Juba stadium uses an artificial turf pitch and he did not travel with the squad.
- The decision was agreed between Salah and coach Hossam Hassan after Salah started Egypt’s recent goalless draw with Angola and was substituted around the 60th minute.
- Officials framed the move as a precaution to protect Salah rather than a response to a new injury, and there has been no announcement of a fitness problem.
- Salah left Liverpool in the close season for Trabzonspor and has begun the Turkish season strongly, with seven goals and two assists in six league games.
- The case highlights ongoing caution about artificial surfaces among players and federations despite studies showing no clear higher injury rates, and it could affect future selection and venue choices.