Mohamed Salah's appearance for Turkish club Trabzonspor on an artificial pitch has renewed controversy over his absence from Egypt's match against South Sudan, raising questions among supporters about why the national team captain played on a similar surface for his club but missed an international fixture.

Salah's participation against Finnish side KuPS in the UEFA Conference League brought the issue back into focus, particularly because his absence from Egypt's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan had been linked to concerns about artificial turf.

As questions continued to grow, Egyptian media reports revealed new details about the reasons behind Salah's decision not to travel, along with the Egyptian Football Association's response to the controversy.

Salah's Absence

According to a source within the Egyptian national team quoted by Youm7, Salah spoke with head coach Hossam Hassan and team director Ibrahim Hassan before the Angola match and requested permission not to travel to South Sudan because of concerns about his safety.

The source explained that the condition of the pitch in South Sudan was one of the main reasons behind the request.

The surface was reportedly an older type of artificial turf that could retain high levels of heat and make playing conditions more difficult, raising concerns about the possibility of injury.

However, the pitch was not the only reason mentioned by the source.

The report also claimed that Salah had concerns about health conditions and the possible spread of diseases in South Sudan.

In addition, he reportedly wanted to travel to England to spend time with his newborn child.

The Egyptian Football Association had previously explained that Salah did not travel because of the potential risks associated with playing on artificial turf.

Hossam Hassan also confirmed that the decision had been made in coordination with the player.

However, Salah's appearance in Trabzonspor's starting lineup against KuPS on another artificial pitch led supporters to question the explanation for his international absence.

Egypt FA Response

Meanwhile, Erem News quoted a source within the Egyptian Football Association who explained that artificial pitches in Europe can differ from those used in some African countries.

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According to the source, these differences were the main reason behind Salah's concerns about playing against South Sudan.

The source stated that the pitch used for Trabzonspor's match against KuPS was a modern artificial surface designed to offer playing conditions closer to natural grass.

This was reportedly different from the older surface that Egypt would have played on in South Sudan.

The source also explained that Salah had received assurances about the quality of the Finnish pitch and was informed that it did not present the same level of concern.

According to this explanation, the difference in pitch quality was the main reason Salah was willing to play for his club despite missing the international match.

The Egyptian FA source also rejected suggestions that Salah had refused to represent his country.

The source stressed that the Egypt captain remained committed to the national team and that his absence against South Sudan was related to protecting his fitness and avoiding possible risks.

Despite these explanations, Salah's appearance for Trabzonspor has renewed discussions about how similar situations should be handled and whether medical and technical decisions involving international players need clearer communication.

The controversy has also brought attention back to the relationship between Salah and Egypt's coaching staff, led by Hossam Hassan, as the national team looks to maintain stability and focus during its African qualifying campaign.

For now, the reported difference between the two artificial surfaces remains the main explanation offered by sources close to the situation.

However, the additional claims about health concerns and family circumstances remain details reported by the media, without direct public confirmation from Salah.

Ultimately, the issue goes beyond whether Salah should play on artificial turf.

It also highlights the importance of clear communication about decisions involving key national team players, especially when those decisions can lead to public debate and questions about their commitment.