Mohamed Salah included in Trabzonspor squad for KuPS clash despite Besiktas concerns

Trabzonspor coach Thomas Reis has included Mohamed Salah in his squad for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Finnish side KuPS, despite earlier considerations of resting the forward ahead of the Turkish Super Lig showdown against Besiktas.

The Turkish outfit are preparing to face KuPS in the league phase of the 2026/27 Europa League campaign, with Reis naming the Egyptian forward among his attacking options for the trip to Finland.

The decision comes after reports suggested that Trabzonspor were weighing up the possibility of leaving Salah out of the European fixture to preserve his fitness for their crucial league encounter against Besiktas on October 19.

However, his inclusion in the squad indicates that the coaching staff have kept him in contention for Thursday’s match, although it remains to be seen whether he will feature in the starting lineup or be used from the bench.

Salah has reportedly been in impressive form for the Turkish side this season, recording seven goals and three assists. His attacking contributions have made him an important figure for Trabzonspor as they pursue success on both domestic and European fronts.

The Turkish club head into the KuPS encounter on the back of a convincing 3-0 victory over Samsunspor last Saturday, a result that will have boosted confidence within the squad.

Reis will be hoping his side can maintain that momentum in Finland and begin their European campaign with a positive result, while also managing the workload of key players ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.

Salah’s availability will therefore be closely watched, particularly with the Besiktas fixture approaching. Trabzonspor must balance their ambitions in Europe with the need to have their key players in the best possible condition for the Super Lig contest.

Salah’s inclusion places the focus on Reis’s eventual team selection and whether the forward will be given minutes against KuPS or managed with the Besiktas clash in mind.

Trabzonspor squad for the KuPS match

Goalkeepers: Onana, Ahmet Dogan Yildirim, Eron Can Colak.

Defenders: Cenk Ozkacar, Samet Akaydin, Wagner Peña, Chubukcu, Mustafa Kuzi.

Midfielders: Fabinho, Mendy, Tim Fulcarelli, Melih Kapasakal, Benjamin Bouchouari, Ozan Tufan, Ozguhan, Ernest Mutchi.

Forwards: Aral Chmicher, Saviolo, Paul Onuachu, Francolino Djo, Mohamed Salah.