Mohamed Salah named among Trabzonspor substitutes for Kasımpasa opener

Mohamed Salah has been named on the bench for Trabzonspor’s opening Turkish league match against Kasımpasa, meaning the Egypt forward is set to make his first appearance for the club if introduced by manager Fatih Tekke.

The match is being played at Kasımpasa’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium, where Trabzonspor have selected a starting XI featuring several experienced players, including goalkeeper Andre Onana, defender Stefan Savic and Ukraine midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Salah’s inclusion among the substitutes comes during his first competitive matchday with Trabzonspor. He joined the Turkish club a few weeks ago after leaving Liverpool and has been given the number 10 shirt.

The 33-year-old has trained with Trabzonspor for only a few days and did not feature in the team’s friendly matches during their preparations for the new season. As a result, he begins the opening fixture on the bench rather than in the starting line-up.

Trabzonspor’s starting team is:

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Defence: Stefan Savic, Chibuike Nwaj, Wagner Pina, Mustafa Eskihellac

Midfield: Benjamin Bouchouari, Aral Simsir, Ruslan Malinovskyi

Attack: Metehan Mimaroglu, Noah Saviolo, Paul Onuachu

Salah’s arrival at Trabzonspor was completed on a two-year contract. His presence on the bench gives Tekke the option of introducing the club’s new number 10 during the first match of the league campaign, although the forward’s limited preparation means his involvement remains dependent on the manager’s decision.

The former Liverpool player has not yet played for Trabzonspor since completing the move. His first competitive appearance, should it come against Kasımpasa, would therefore mark the beginning of his latest chapter in Turkish football.

Trabzonspor face a Kasımpasa side on their own ground in the opening round of the Turkish league. The home team will hope to take advantage of familiar surroundings, while the visitors begin their campaign with attention focused on whether Salah will be brought on during the contest.

For now, the Egypt international must wait among the substitutes as Trabzonspor start with Onuachu leading the attack and Malinovskyi providing experience in midfield. The result will be the club’s first of the new league season, while Salah’s involvement could become the main talking point if Tekke turns to him during the match.