NEWS · 26 Sep 2026
Salah misses Egypt vs South Sudan match over artificial turf
Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah will not feature in the national side’s upcoming fixture against South Sudan, as the match will be played on an artificial pitch. The decision comes after concerns about the surface’s impact on the player’s performance and injury risk.
Egypt’s national team coach has announced that Mohamed Salah will be omitted from the squad for the upcoming friendly against South Sudan. The match, scheduled to be played on an artificial turf, has raised concerns for the forward, who prefers natural grass for optimal performance.
Salah’s decision to sit out is reportedly linked to the potential for increased wear and tear on his joints and a higher risk of injury on a synthetic surface. The Egyptian Football Association has not released a formal statement, but sources indicate the player’s preference has been respected.
The match against South Sudan is part of Egypt’s preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the team will look to maintain momentum without the star striker. The coaching staff will rely on other attacking options to fill the void left by Salah’s absence.
While the decision may disappoint fans eager to see Salah in action, it underscores the growing concern among top players about artificial pitches. The debate continues over the safety and fairness of synthetic surfaces in international fixtures.
Egypt will still aim to secure a convincing win, and the coaching staff plans to evaluate the impact of the surface on player health before future fixtures. The next match in the squad’s schedule will be played on a natural grass pitch, potentially allowing Salah to return to the lineup.