Egypt star winger Mohamed Salah (Photo: Reuters)
Egypt's national team director Mohamed Barakat has denied talk of a rift between the technical staff and team star Mohamed Salah following the decision to rest the Liverpool winger in the recent friendly match against Botswana.
"The relationship between Salah and the technical staff is a very good one," Barakat told MBC Masr TV channel on Wednesday.
On Monday, the Pharaohs defeated Botswana at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium as both sides prepare for next month's Nations Cup qualifiers.
On 22 September, Egypt's new coach Hossam El-Badry called up five foreign-based players, including star winger Salah, for the Botswana match, before deciding to omit the Liverpool player to give him extra time to rest.
Some reports hinted that there could be a rift between Salah and El-Badry over the player's request to be rested, despite the fact that the coach himself said that he was considering resting him due to suffering fatigue.
"All the news about a rift between Salah and El-Badry is nonsense. Salah will be the first to join the next camp. The technical staff gave him the rest as he awaits strong matches with his team in the coming period," Barakat explained.
The 27-year-old Salah rejoined Liverpool's trainings on Tuesday for the first time since his injury earlier this month, just before the international break.
Local UK media reported that the Egyptian winger could be fit for Sunday's anticipated clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Salah has scored four goals in eight appearances with Liverpool in this Premier League season so far.
Liverpool, who are bidding for their first league title since 1990, are at the top of the Premier League table with 24 points, eight points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
The former Ahly player and coach El-Badry was recently appointed as Egypt's national team manager, succeeding Mexican tactician Javier Aguirre, who was sacked after quickly exiting the Africa Cup of Nations held at home in the 16th round in July.
Egypt are competing in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Under El-Badry, Egypt will start their campaign in the Nations Cup qualifiers on 14 November when they host Kenya before facing Comoros in an away game four days later.
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