Manchester City and Liverpool could clash with Egypt over early release of Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manchester City are set for a dispute with Egypt after head coach Hossam Hassan called up Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah for a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly against Nigeria on December 14.
City are likely to refuse Marmoush’s release since they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League that day. The forward is expected to join Egypt after the match, missing the Carabao Cup tie against Brentford on December 16 as his Afcon absence begins.
Uncertainty also surrounds Salah’s participation, with Liverpool due to play Brighton on December 13. Both clubs are expected to make late decisions.
Egypt open their Afcon campaign on December 22 against Zimbabwe in Agadir. If they reach the final, Marmoush could miss eight games for City while Salah would miss at least seven for Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola said: “This competition [is] for their countries so they have to go,” adding that he would deal with the issue when it arises.