Liverpool set for Mohamed Salah boost? Why fear of 'violence' could see Egypt release Reds talisman from international duty early - with Virgil van Dijk already on his way back

Salah has been told by Egypt that he can skip Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Mauritania, as they play on an artificial pitch, which has sparked fears of a potential injury to the Liverpool star. The country's technical director, Hossam Hassan, has claimed that Mauritania are capable of "violent interventions", and as such, the ball has been placed in Salah's court

Virgil van Dijk is already heading back to Anfield, having been sent off against Hungary. As he is suspended for the Netherlands' clash with Germany on Monday, he has been released back to his club. Now, Salah will have to make a decision on whether he will do the same. He scored in last week's 2-0 win over the same opponents.

Hassan said: "If any player asks me not to play on artificial turf, I will agree. The Mauritanian team plays hard and with violent interventions, and their field is not the best. If Salah specifically asks me to do so, I will agree."

He added: “I was very worried about the Mauritania match, and the pitch there is very difficult. Even if I don’t win there, it doesn’t matter. What matters to me is that I don’t lose.”

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and play Chelsea next Sunday. Having both Salah and Van Dijk back early would be an immense boost for Arne Slot's side.