Salah out of South Sudan vs Egypt due to artificial pitch

Egypt has left Mohamed Salah out of its African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan because the match will be played on artificial turf.

The former Liverpool striker, now with Turkish club Trabzonspor, has not traveled with the team to the capital, Juba, for Tuesday’s match.

The 34-year-old started Friday’s goalless draw against Angola in Cairo but was replaced by coach Hossam Hassan after an hour.

“The Egyptian national team coaching staff, led by Hossam Hassan, decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan scheduled for September 29 due to the playing surface,” the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said (via BBC Sport).

“The national team coaching staff and Mohamed Salah agreed before the Angola match that he would not play against South Sudan, and the coaching staff preferred this option to protect the player,” he added.

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There is a perception of an increased risk of injury on artificial surfaces despite technological improvements, although studies have shown that externally there is no evidence of an increased risk of injury.

Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years in which he made 442 appearances and scored 257 goals, winning nine major trophies.

In six Turkish Super League games with Trabzonspor this season he has seven goals and two assists.