Egypt coach moves to defuse Salah row before Sudan clash

Hassan addressed the controversy on Monday, seeking to ease concerns over Salah's omission from the upcoming fixture. The Liverpool forward's exclusion from the squad list had sparked considerable debate among Egyptian sports commentators and observers, with questions raised about potential friction between the player and the national team setup.

The coach's intervention comes as Egypt prepares for the qualifying match, a crucial encounter in the nation's campaign to secure a berth at the continental tournament. Hassan's public comments were aimed at clarifying the circumstances around Salah's absence and preventing further speculation from destabilising the team's preparations.

The situation underscores the intense scrutiny that Egypt's squad selection faces, particularly when high-profile players are left out of important fixtures. Salah remains one of African football's most prominent figures, and any decision affecting his involvement with the national team draws immediate attention from the media and supporters alike.

Egypt faces South Sudan on Tuesday in what represents a significant test of their qualifying credentials. Hassan's efforts to manage the narrative around Salah's omission reflect the broader challenge of maintaining team unity and focus amid external pressures during international competition periods.