Mohamed Salah set to return to Egypt squad as Hossam Hassan dispute eases

Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the Egypt squad for November’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with officials saying the recent dispute between the Liverpool forward and the national team’s coaching staff is moving towards a resolution.

Mohamed El Shazly, spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, said there is currently no crisis between Salah and coach Hossam Hassan and that the national team is working towards restoring stability.

Salah left the Egypt camp after being substituted in the 60th minute of the Pharaohs’ 2027 AFCON qualifier against Angola. He subsequently missed the team’s following matches against South Sudan and the friendly against South Africa.

Salah expected back in November

Speaking to Modern MTI TV on Monday, El Shazly said Salah would be part of Egypt’s next camp.

“There is currently no crisis between Salah and the coaching staff,” he said, adding that the November camp will see the return of the national team captain.

The official said the team is now on a positive path, with discipline and the right environment being prioritised as Egypt attempt to restore the spirit that surrounded the squad during the World Cup.

He also called for the recent events to be put behind the team so they do not affect the national side in the future.

Egypt official stresses Salah’s importance

El Shazly underlined Salah’s importance to Egyptian football and said efforts are being made to ensure calm within the national team.

“Mohamed Salah is one of the most important symbols of Egyptian sports throughout its history, and he is keen to ensure that calm prevails in the Egyptian national team, and he will be present in the next camp.”

He also revealed that Minister of Youth and Sports Gawhar Nabil has been communicating with Egyptian players based abroad, describing them as ambassadors for the country.

According to El Shazly, the minister also contacted Football Association president Hani Abu Rida about restoring calm and discipline within the national team.

Egypt prepare for Malawi qualifiers

Egypt will return to competitive action in November when they face Malawi in back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Pharaohs are scheduled to play Malawi on 11 and 15 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying.

Salah’s expected return would give Hossam Hassan another key attacking option as Egypt continue their campaign, with officials hoping the latest developments will bring an end to the disagreement surrounding the captain and the coaching staff.