Liverpool supporters have received positive news regarding Mohamed Salah's international commitments after Egypt confirmed the star forward will be rested for their upcoming friendly match.
Egypt's Official Statement Confirms Salah Absence
The Egyptian Football Association released an official statement on Saturday night confirming that Mohamed Salah will not feature in Monday's friendly against Cape Verde. The decision comes as part of a strategic rest period for the 33-year-old forward ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Egypt are currently competing in the Al Ain International Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in Friday's semi-final. Salah played the full 90 minutes in that match, but will now sit out the third-place play-off against Cape Verde at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.
Perfect Timing for Liverpool's Premier League Return
This development provides excellent news for Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, with Salah now expected to return to Merseyside fully refreshed ahead of the Premier League's resumption. The Reds face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday 22 November, where Salah should be in prime condition to contribute.
The Egyptian international's performances have come under increased scrutiny this season, with the forward managing just five goals and three assists across 16 appearances. This represents a significant drop from last campaign, where he claimed both the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards while driving Liverpool to the title.
AFCON Commitment Looms Large
While Liverpool benefit from Salah's rest in the short term, the club must prepare for his extended absence next month. The forward is scheduled to captain Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, which begins on December 21.
Egypt have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, meaning Salah will miss a minimum of three Liverpool fixtures. Should Egypt progress to the final in Rabat on January 18, he could be absent for up to eight matches - including challenging away fixtures against both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
The Egyptian squad will also be without Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamdi Fathi for the Cape Verde match due to injury, while Salah Mohsen continues recovery training. The national team training session was attended by Tarek Abou El-Enein and Mohamed Abou Hussein, members of the Football Association's board of directors.
