Salah leads Egypt’s AFCON squad amid Liverpool selection drama

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has confirmed Mohamed Salah’s inclusion in the 28-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, signalling the forward’s continued importance to the national team. With the tournament set to begin on December 21, the Liverpool star is expected to miss at least two Premier League fixtures.

Salah has drawn significant media attention after suggesting he was unfairly singled out for Liverpool’s recent struggles and hinting at tensions with manager Arne Slot. Speculation increased following his limited involvement in recent matches, where he remained unused against Leeds United and West Ham United and was left out of the Champions League squad for the win over Inter Milan.

Despite the off-field controversies, Salah will still be available for Liverpool’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion after FIFA clarified that national team reporting is required only a week before the tournament begins. However, Liverpool will likely be without him for matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers during Egypt’s group stage campaign.

Hassan’s squad also includes Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Al-Ahly winger Mahmoud Trezeguet, boosting Egypt’s attacking options. The seven-time African champions will begin their journey against Zimbabwe on December 22, face South Africa on December 26, and conclude the group stage with Angola on December 29.

The squad consists of four goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy and Mostafa Shobeir from Al-Ahly, Ahmed El-Shenawy from Pyramids, and Mohamed Sobhi from Zamalek. The defensive line features Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Ismail, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Fatouh.

In midfield and attack, the team is strengthened by Marwan Ateya, Hamdy Fathy, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathi, Omar Marmoush, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.