Salah omitted from Egypt squad for South Sudan qualifier over artificial turf

Mohamed Salah has been left out of Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, scheduled for 29 September in Juba, because the match will be played on artificial turf. He has not travelled with the squad to the capital Juba for Tuesday's game.

Friday's goalless draw with Angola in Cairo was Egypt's first match since their run to the last 16 of the World Cup in the summer. Salah started that game but was substituted by coach Hossam Hassan after an hour. The decision to leave him out of the South Sudan match was made before the Angola fixture, the national team said.

"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 Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said.

"It was agreed between the national team's technical staff and Mohamed Salah before the Angola match that he would not play against South Sudan, and the technical staff preferred this approach in order to protect the player," it added.

There is a perception of increased risk of injury on artificial surfaces despite technological improvements, though studies have shown there is no evidence of a greater risk of injury.

Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years during which he made 442 appearances and scored 257 goals, winning nine major trophies. He is now with Turkish club Trabzonspor and in six Turkish Super Lig games for Trabzonspor this season he has seven goals and two assists.

Egypt will face South Sudan on 29 September in Juba in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture; Salah will not be part of the travelling squad for that match.