Liverpool star Mohammed Salah set to be dropped against Cape Verde

Liverpool will be excited to receive positive news from the Egyptian FA confirming that Mohammed Salah will be rested for Monday’s meeting with Cape Verde.

Salah played the full 90 minutes for Egypt in their surprise 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan on Friday as the Pharaohs bowed out of the Al Ain International Cup at the semi-final stage.

Oston Urunov bagged a first-half brace as Uzbekistan secured a 2-0 win over Egypt last week. Egypt were expected to reach the final of the Al Ain International Cup but saw their hopes dashed by a spirited Uzbek side.

Disappointing, but this could prove a blessing in disguise for Liverpool, as their star man could be rested for the third-place encounter against Cape Verde.

Cape Verde lost to Iran in their own semi-final clash on Monday as they look to get back to winning ways ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Although some Liverpool fans had feared burnout for Salah—who played the full 90 minutes in Egypt’s recent defeat—the 33-year-old will now return to Anfield earlier than anticipated.

Mohammed Salah will miss third-place game against Cape Verde — Egypt’s forward #10 Mohamed Salah looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifier football match between Djibouti and Egypt at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on October 8, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP) (Photo by ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)

This comes after the FA granted him a rest. The Reds can rely on their star forward to help reignite their faltering season.

In an official statement by the Egyptian FA:

“The Egyptian national football team, led by Hossam Hassan, held its training session in Al Ain in preparation for a friendly match against Cape Verde at 6 pm on Monday – Cairo time – at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE,” a statement from the Egyptian FA read.

“The absence of the duo Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamdi Fathi from the Cape Verde match due to injury was also confirmed, and Salah Mohsen underwent recovery training, in addition to giving Mohamed Salah a rest, and his non-participation in the Cape Verde friendly.

“Tarek Abou El-Enein and Mohamed Abou Hussein, members of the board of directors of the Football Association, attended the training session of the Egyptian national team.”

Salah will have enough time to prepare for Liverpool’s Premier League home encounter against Nottingham Forest next weekend.

The Reds are looking to get back to winning ways at the expense of the Tricky Trees, having fallen to a 3-0 loss at rivals Manchester City last Sunday.