Why Mohamed Salah left Egypt's camp

Mohamed Salah left Egypt's training camp ahead of his team's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, but the Egyptian Football Association says the decision was made to protect the forward from playing on an artificial pitch.

Salah started Egypt's goalless draw with Angola on Friday but was substituted in the 60th minute. His departure from the camp the following day led to speculation about a possible disagreement with coach Hossam Hassan.

However, the Egyptian Football Association said that the decision to rest Salah for the South Sudan match had been agreed before the Angola game. The match in Juba will be played on an artificial surface, with the coaching staff opting to protect the 34-year-old forward.

Hassan later confirmed that Salah had discussed the issue with him before the Angola match and that they had agreed he would not play in South Sudan. The Egypt coach also said that Salah remains an important part of his plans.