Mohamed Salah is not featuring in today’s match between Egypt and Spain, as the star forward has been left out of the lineup for this international friendly due to a confirmed muscle injury.
According to reports from the Egyptian team staff and Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot, the forward picked up the issue during recent club action and was immediately ruled out of international duty as a precaution.
The decision is part of a broader medical plan to avoid aggravating the problem ahead of a crucial period in both club and national team schedules. Egypt lose their leadership presence and the most dangerous goal threat.
How and when did Mohamed Salah get injured?
Mohamed Salah suffered a minor muscle injury during Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray on March 18, 2026, after feeling discomfort in the second half and requesting to be substituted.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match (Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The issue occurred at Anfield during the Round of 16 second leg, where the Egyptian forward had a standout performance but began experiencing physical discomfort after a sprinting action late in the game.
According to Liverpool manager Arne Slot, he “felt something” and immediately signaled to the bench, prompting his substitution as a precaution rather than continuing to risk further damage. The medical staff later confirmed that the problem was muscular in nature, though not considered a serious long-term injury.
Despite completing an impressive match, the knock was enough for Liverpool to rule him out of immediate fixtures, including the Premier League clash against Brighton and Egypt’s international friendly against Spain.
When could Mohamed Salah return to play?
Mohamed Salah is expected to return shortly after the international break, with a projected comeback window of around two weeks, depending on how his recovery progresses.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt leads out his side prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match (Source: Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images)
Early reports from Liverpool’s medical department suggest optimism, with the club targeting his availability for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City. Both the club and Egypt are focused on a controlled recovery plan.
Manager Arne Slot has indicated that his strong physical conditioning could allow him to recover faster than usual, but stressed that the club will not rush his return given the importance of the final stretch of the season.
If his rehabilitation continues without setbacks, he could rejoin full training almost immediately after the break, putting him in contention for Liverpool’s key upcoming fixtures across domestic and European competitions.
