Liverpool confirmed on Saturday that Mohamed Salah will not be participating in the second leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania.
The 32-year-old was released from international duty early following Egypt’s 2-0 victory over Mauritania, in which Salah scored.
He was initially scheduled to play in a second fixture against the same opponents on Tuesday, but Egypt manager Hossam Hassan raised concerns about playing on Mauritania’s artificial turf and the risk of injury.
Egypt, a record seven-time African champion, faced tough opposition from Mauritania until Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan scored 69 minutes into the Group C clash. Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a second goal 10 minutes later, maintaining Egypt’s perfect record after three rounds.
Egypt only needs one point in the next match to secure qualification. They currently sit six points ahead of Cape Verde, Botswana, and Mauritania.
Liverpool also announced that Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has also been released early from international duty after receiving two yellow cards in the Netherlands’ 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Hungary.