Egypt rests Mohamed Salah for an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Sudan, with the decision linked to concerns about playing conditions. The Egyptian Football Association says Salah is not included for the match scheduled in South Sudan.
The Egyptian Football Association and the EA/league’s communications state the move is intended to protect the player from potential injury risks associated with artificial pitch surfaces. Both outlets report that Salah’s absence is planned specifically because the game will be played on turf rather than natural grass.
While the core rationale is consistent across coverage, outlets describe the explanation with slightly different phrasing—one citing a need to “protect” him and the other emphasizing that artificial turf is more likely to increase injury risk. No conflicting details are presented about the opponent or the match itself, with both accounts focusing on the medical/turf concern behind the rest decision.
