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.

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.

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.

Spain used this friendly to keep building rhythm and to continue integrating emerging talents like Lamine Yamal with their established core ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Egypt approached the match with a blend of experienced figures and promising newcomers. Even without Mohamed Salah, his influence remains a reference point for a squad that continues to evolve and compete at a high level.

Two World Cup-bound rivals meet in a high-profile friendly with very different goals in mind. Egypt will be without Mohamed Salah, who got hurt with Liverpool.

Spain—powered by rising star Lamine Yamal—is a title contender aiming to add another trophy to its 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph. It’s a key tune-up for both sides and a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

When will the Spain vs Egypt match be played?

Spain take on Egypt in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 3:00 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Spain vs Egypt!

Spain vs Egypt: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Spain vs Egypt in the USA

This International Friendly clash between Spain and Egypt will be available for viewers in the USA on ViX.

After a regulation 90 minutes that offered few thrills, it was Nigeria who showed more attacking intent and created more scoring opportunities. However, neither side was able to capitalize, resulting in a scoreless deadlock at the end of normal time.

In a departure from traditional formats, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout following the draw. Egypt faltered early as their two biggest stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, saw their attempts saved by Stanley Nwabali. The Pharaohs were never able to recover, allowing Nigeria to maintain the advantage and secure the bronze.

Both nations enjoyed stellar campaigns, finishing as leaders of their respective groups and remaining unbeaten until the semifinals. There, Egypt‘s run was halted by Senegal in a narrow 1-0 defeat, decided by a Sadio Mane strike that sent the Lions of Teranga to the final.

On the other side, Nigeria entered the semifinals having won every match of the tournament, but they faced a formidable host nation. In a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 after extra time, it was Morocco who ultimately prevailed in a penalty shootout (4-2), securing their ticket to the final where they will play for their second-ever continental title.

What happens if Egypt win vs Nigeria?

Should Egypt secure a victory over Nigeria, the Pharaohs will claim third place in the 2025 AFCON, marking the fourth time in their history they have achieved this distinction.

What happens if Egypt and Nigeria tie?

If the score remains level at the end of the 90-minute regulation period, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout to determine the bronze medal winner. Unlike the earlier knockout rounds, there is no extra time scheduled for the third-place playoff, ensuring a decisive result immediately following the final whistle.

What happens if Egypt lose vs Nigeria?

If Nigeria emerge victorious in the AFCON 2025 third-place match, the Super Eagles will claim the bronze medal, marking the ninth time in their history they have achieved this recognition.

According to the Egyptian Football National Team’s official X account, Salah will start for Egypt in the third-place match against Nigeria. As the captain and most pivotal player for the Pharaohs, he currently leads the team in scoring this tournament with four goals in five matches.

The Liverpool forward was essential during the group stage, netting a stoppage-time goal in the opening 2-1 win over Zimbabwe to start the campaign on the right foot. He followed that up as the lone scorer in the second match against South Africa, sealing Egypt’s qualification for the Round of 16.

The Egypt captain remained clutch during the knockout stage, scoring a crucial goal in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16. His most recent goal came in the quarterfinal thriller against Ivory Coast, helping Egypt extend their lead in an eventual 3-2 win.

That goal against Ivory Coast also allowed Salah to continue rewriting the record books of Egyptian soccer. With that strike, Salah joined Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s second all-time leading scorer in AFCON history, with 11 career goals in the competition.

The starting XI confirmed for Egypt

To face Nigeria in the AFCON third-place match, these are the eleven players representing the Pharaohs: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Khaled Sobhy, Muhannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed.

The road to the semifinals

Both Egypt and Nigeria put together impressive campaigns that their fans should be proud of. The Pharaohs finished at the top of their group and remained undefeated until the semifinals. However, in a hard-fought semifinal clash against Senegal, Sadio Mane managed to score with just 10 minutes remaining to send his side to the tournament final.

On the Nigerian side, the Eagles also reached the semifinals as group leaders, with the added distinction of winning every match they played. However, they faced a grueling test against Morocco, the host nation, in the semifinals. After a tense encounter that ended 0-0 through 120 minutes, Nigeria was ultimately eliminated in a penalty shootout.

[Watch Egypt vs Nigeria online in the US on Fubo]

The Africa Cup of Nations third-place match — often viewed as the tournament’s consolation showdown — brings together two semifinalists looking to close their campaigns with a statement after falling just short of the final, which will be contested by Senegal and Morocco.

Egypt arrives after a razor-thin loss to Senegal in a marquee clash highlighted by the Mohamed Salah–Sadio Mane duel, while Nigeria pushed Morocco to the brink before bowing out in a tense penalty shootout. Now both sides see this matchup as a chance to salvage silverware and avoid the disappointment of finishing fourth.

When will the Egypt vs Nigeria match be played?

Egypt will play against Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third place game this Saturday, January 17. The action is set to kick off at 11:00 AM (ET).

Egypt vs Nigeria: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Egypt vs Nigeria in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Egypt and Nigeria live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Egypt enter the final four following a thrilling 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Ivory Coast, powered by goals from Omar Marmoush, Ramy Rabia, and Mohamed Salah. The win over the defending champions kept the Pharaohs’ unbeaten streak alive as they chase a record-extending eighth continental crown.

Senegal also arrive in Tangier undefeated. The Lions of Teranga secured their semifinal berth by edging out Mali 1-0 in the quarterfinals, thanks to a decisive strike from Ibrahim Mbaye. Senegal are now just two wins away from capturing the second AFCON title in their nation’s history.

What happens if Egypt win vs Senegal?

Should Egypt defeat Senegal at the Tangier Grand Stadium, they will punch their ticket to the Final on Jan. 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. There, they would face the winner of today’s second semifinal between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.

What happens if Egypt and Senegal tie?

If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to two 15-minute halves of extra time. Should the deadlock persist through the extra period, a penalty shootout will determine which nation advances to the championship match.

What happens if Egypt lose vs Senegal?

If Senegal pull off the victory, the squad led by Sadio Mané will secure its spot in the Jan. 18 final, ending Mohamed Salah’s quest for his first international trophy for another cycle.

The spotlight was firmly on Senegal‘s Mane and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, two former Liverpool teammates now on opposing sides in this riveting bout. The anticipated face-off between these football titans added a significant layer of intrigue, heightening expectations for a thrilling encounter. However, the game ultimately unfolded as a dominant display by the Lions of Teranga.

Following a lackluster performance, Egypt are now set to compete in the third-place playoff, anxiously waiting to see who their opponent will be. Meanwhile, Senegal gear up for another shot at the AFCON title, eager to clinch the championship. Explore the article to relive the match highlights, including Mane’s crucial goal.

In international tournaments, the knockout bracket usually leaves little room for consolation. For teams that fall just short of the main event in Rabat, the distinction between going home empty-handed or decorated is vital.

This specific fixture has a long-standing tradition within CAF’s flagship competition, serving as a final stage for tactical experiments and individual honors. Understanding the regulations is key to knowing if a bronze medal is still on the table.

Does AFCON 2025 keep the third-place tradition alive?

For the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the tournament format includes more than just the quest for the trophy. After the group phase and knockout rounds, teams that fall in the semifinals don’t simply pack their bags, there is a scheduled third-place playoff between the two semifinal losers, giving them one more fixture and a chance to finish on the podium.

This match isn’t just a formality on the calendar. It’s part of the official structure of the finals, much like in previous editions with 24 teams: the group stage feeds into a round of 16, then quarters, semis, and finally both the championship decider and the bronze-place game.

Still, the idea of playing for third sparks mixed feelings among players and coaches, with some questioning its value once pride and morale are the only stakes left. That tension between tradition and modern tournament demands adds another subplot to AFCON’s dramatic climax.

Who are playing the AFCON 2025 third-place game and when?

The AFCON 2025 final is now set, shaping up as some of the most talked-about clashes in recent editions. On January 18, 2026, Senegal will face Morocco in what promises to be a tactical and physical duel.

A day before the final, the losers of the semifinal matches will face off with bronze at stake. Egypt and Nigeria will clash in the third-place match on January 17 at 11 AM (ET), pitting the two teams knocked out in the semifinals against each other — a final chance for pride and a podium finish before the curtain falls on AFCON 2025.

[Watch Senegal vs Egypt online in the US on Fubo]

The opening semifinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations features a must-see clash as Egypt and Senegal meet with a spot in the final at stake, highlighted by the star power of former Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Egypt advanced with a dramatic 3–2 win over Ivory Coast, while Senegal leaned on its defensive strength in a tense 1–0 victory against Mali, setting the stage for a high-intensity showdown between two continental heavyweights.

When will the Senegal vs Egypt match be played?

Senegal clash with Egypt for the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals this Wednesday, January 14. The action is set to kick off at 12:00 PM (ET).

Senegal vs Egypt: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Senegal vs Egypt in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Senegal and Egypt live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.