Salah creates goal in shock Chelsea defeat amid departure reports

Ahram Online , Saturday 24 Jan 2015

Mohamed Salah
Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah (Photo: Reuters)

Mohamed Salah dished out an assist in Chelsea's shock 4-2 FA Cup home defeat to Bradford after being surprisingly included in his side's starting lineup amid reports linking him with a loan move to AS Roma this winter.

The Egypt winger, who is reportedly on the brink of a six-month loan move to Roma after failing to impress since joining Chelsea last year, put in a fine display having created Chelsea's second goal – scored by Ramires.

Chelsea were two nil after 38 minutes, thanks to goals from Gary Cahill and the Brazilian Ramires.

The lower-tier side, however, sprang a surprise by staging a superb comeback with Jon Stead, Felipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates sealing a stunning 4-2 win.

Few minutes into the first half, Salah could have created Chelsea's first when his cut-back was fired wide by Didier Drogba.

But Ramires did not fail to convert the Egyptian's assist this time around, when a one-two with the Brazilian saw the latter notch his side's second goal as they seemed to be cruising to an easy win.

Salah then made way for Willian in the 70th minute when the scoreline was 2-1 for Chelsea.

Whether Salah's inclusion in the starting lineup means manager Jose Mourinho would prefer to have him on board remains to be seen, as Andre Schurrle – who is similarly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge – was left out.

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