Egypt have left Mohamed Salah out of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan because the match will be played on an artificial surface.
The 34-year-old forward has not travelled with the squad to Juba for Tuesday’s fixture, having started Friday’s goalless draw with Angola in Cairo before being substituted after an hour.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said the decision was agreed between Salah and the national team’s technical staff before the Angola match.
“The Egypt national team’s technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan, has decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan scheduled for 29 September because of the playing surface,” the EFA said.
It added that the coaching staff preferred to rest the player to protect him.
Artificial surfaces are often perceived to carry a greater risk of injury, although studies have found no evidence of a higher injury risk compared with natural grass.
Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years at the club, making 442 appearances, scoring 257 goals and winning nine major trophies.
He has since joined Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he has made an impressive start, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in six Turkish Super Lig appearances this season.
