Egypt head into Cape Verde friendly without star forward Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced a fresh update on Mohamed Salah and several other key players ahead of Monday’s international friendly against Cape Verde.

Salah featured from start to finish in Egypt’s 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan on Friday, and head coach Hossam Hassan has opted to rest the Liverpool forward for the next outing. The Pharaohs will also be without Ahmed “Zizo” El-Sayed of Al Ahly and Al Wakrah midfielder Hamdy Fathy, both of whom picked up injuries in the game against Uzbekistan.

In a statement, the EFA confirmed the team’s continued preparations in the UAE. “The Egyptian national football team, led by Hossam Hassan, held its training session in Al Ain in preparation for a friendly match against Cape Verde at 6 pm on Monday [Cairo time] at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE,” the federation said.

The update also clarified the status of the injured players and Egypt’s captain. “The absence of the duo Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamdi Fathi from the Cape Verde match due to injury was also confirmed, and Salah Mohsen underwent recovery training, in addition to giving Mohamed Salah a rest, and his non-participation in the Cape Verde friendly.

“Tarek Abou El-Enein and Mohamed Abou Hussein, members of the board of directors of the Football Association, attended the training session of the Egyptian national team.”

Egypt and Cape Verde will face off on Monday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in the UAE as the Pharaohs continue their preparations under Hassan’s leadership.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT.