Cairo, Egypt – English press reports have revealed signs of a looming crisis between the Egyptian national team and Liverpool and Manchester City clubs, stemming from the Egyptian duo Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, Egypt’s national team coach Hossam Hassan wants Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City player Omar Marmoush to participate in the friendly match against Nigeria scheduled for December 14th, in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The newspaper indicated that Manchester City will clash with the Egyptian national team. It is likely that they will refuse to release Omar Marmoush for the friendly match against Egypt before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The newspaper explained that Manchester City does not intend to allow Omar Marmoush to participate with the Egyptian national team. The reason is that he has a Premier League match away against Crystal Palace on that day.
The newspaper added that Omar Marmoush is expected to join the Egyptian national team camp immediately after the Crystal Palace match, which means he will miss the friendly against Nigeria.
Also, the Brentford game in the Carabao Cup on December 16 will be the first game Marmoush misses for Manchester City.
Mohamed Salah’s stance on participating with the Egyptian national team in the friendly match against Nigeria
Regarding Mohamed Salah, the newspaper confirmed that his situation remains unclear. Liverpool has a tough match against Brighton the day before Nigeria’s friendly against Egypt. His participation will depend on the decision of manager Arne Slott.
Egypt is considered one of the favorites to win the 24-team Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on December 21st. The final will be held on January 18th, 2026.
Egypt are scheduled to begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22 in the city of Agadir.
