Liverpool are in caught in a complex dispute with the Egyptian Football Association over the fitness and availability of star forward Mohamed Salah.
The disagreement centers on Salah’s participation in an upcoming international camp with Egypt, with Liverpool requesting an exemption for their key player to aid his recovery from a recent injury.
The contention arose after Salah, a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s attacking lineup, played only one Premier League game since the turn of the year due to hamstring injury injury sustained while representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Despite this setback, the Egyptian national team has expressed its intention to include Salah in their squad for a friendly match against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on 22 March.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have taken formal steps to resolve the situation by sending a letter to the Egyptian Football Association.
The club’s plea emphasises the importance of prioritising Salah’s long-term health and fitness, particularly in light of their pursuit of the Premier League title and the player’s crucial role in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at the helm.
Liverpool’s stance is clear: participation in the friendly against New Zealand might jeopardise Salah’s recovery and, by extension, their ambitions to clinch their 20th league title.
The situation is further complicated by Egypt’s plans to have their own medical assessment conducted by Dr. Mohamed Abu El-Ela before a final decision on Salah’s involvement in the friendly tournament is made.
Liverpool are in a tricky situation but Egypt are not making matters easier
While it’s understandable the Egypt FA wants Mohamed Salah, the best right winger in the world, available for their next national team meet-up but given they only have friendlies scheduled, it’s a surprise they’re not being more understanding.
Salah has only played one Liverpool game out of a possible 14 so far in 2024.
Despite his absence, his teammates have been able to win 12 of those games. That’s a testament to Klopp’s coaching as well as the character and talent in his squad.
That said, the more Salah is available, the better Liverpool’s chances are of winning more silverware this season after lifting the Carabao Cup in his absence.
