Chelsea's Mohamed Salah (Photo: AP)
Chelsea's Mohamed Salah will be given more playing time in the coming weeks as coach Jose Mourinho still has faith in his abilities, a source close to the Portuguese told Ahram Online.
British media have linked the 22-year-old winger with a move away from the Blues after he failed to establish himself as a first-team regular.
One report said the Salah "is clearly not part of Mourinho's plans for the majority of matches this season" but a Chelsea insider said the Egyptian international still has a significant role to play with the team.
"Salah is an important and essential player of Chelsea's squad," said the source, who is familiar with Mourinho’s plans.
Salah has made 15 appearances and six starts in all competitions since joining Chelsea from Swiss champions Basel last January.
The source said media speculation over Salah's future has increased lately because the player has not had as many appearances as expected.
"There was an international break anyway, not many Premier League or cup matches were played.
"I am sure he will have more chances within the Christmas time due to its packed schedule”, the source added.
Mourinho openly criticised Salah, among other players, for their poor performance against Shrewsbury in the Capital One on 30 October.
“These remarks don’t mean that the coach has a negative assessment of Salah now”, the source said.
"Such thing always happens between any manger and his players and don't reflect any change of views."
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