Trabzonspor boss Thomas Reis keeps Mohamed Salah’s KuPS role undecided

Trabzonspor manager Thomas Reis has refused to confirm whether Mohamed Salah will play against Finnish side KuPS in their Conference League opener on Thursday.

The German coach said the final decision would be made before kick-off, with the match being played on an artificial surface. Salah was included in Trabzonspor’s squad for the game, but Reis remains uncertain about selecting him.

“I know this is an important question for you,” Reis said when asked about Salah’s involvement. “The match will be played on an artificial pitch, but all our players are ready.”

He added: “I cannot confirm at the moment whether Salah will play or not. We will see tomorrow.”

Reis said the playing surface presented an additional challenge for Trabzonspor because it differs from the pitches they normally use. He stressed that the conditions would be another factor for his side to manage, rather than the match being solely about facing KuPS.

“We have to deal with the opponent and the conditions of the pitch as well,” he said. “Even Bayern Munich had major difficulties on a similar surface yesterday.”

Although Reis described his squad as ready, his decision not to settle Salah’s position has raised the possibility that Trabzonspor may avoid taking a risk with the Egyptian on artificial turf. The club are also playing matches in quick succession, with only short intervals between fixtures.

“I will choose the best possible line-up for the match,” Reis said. “That is what I can disclose.”

Trabzonspor will visit KuPS on Thursday at 20:45 in the opening round of the Conference League league phase.

The Turkish club reached the competition after losing to Hungarian side Ferencvarosi in the Europa League qualifying rounds. They were beaten 5-0 on aggregate in that tie.

Reis’s squad announcement confirmed Salah’s inclusion among the players travelling for the match, but did not resolve whether he would start or feature during the game. The manager is expected to make that decision before kick-off, taking the artificial pitch and Trabzonspor’s demanding schedule into account.