Pharaohs manager Ehab Galal has revealed that the Reds forward played with a knock during a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification group opener

Egypt manager Ehab Galal has revealed that Mohamed Salah played with an injury in their 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory against Guinea on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Liverpool forward started in the Group D opener as the Pharaohs left it late to snatch a crucial win against the Syli Nationale at Cairo International Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Mostafa Mohamed came off the bench to score what turned out to be the winner in the 87th minute. Despite his injury, Salah played the entire 90 minutes, and speaking after the game, Galal has explained how the superstar forward rejected Liverpool's request to undergo an X-ray.

Salah was suffering from an injury and played through it,” Galal told reporters, as quoted by KingFut. “He rejected Liverpool’s request for an X-ray before the game and will now undergo it.”

Galal, who was taking charge of the team for the first time, also confirmed the decision to leave out Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and Mahmoud Trezeguet.

“Mohamed Elneny would have been in the starting XI had he not been injured because he would have contributed to the offensive side,” Galal continued. “Afsha and Ibraimh Adel also improved the performance.

“Mahmoud [Trezeguet] will undergo a scan to see the extent of his injury, and Elneny may be involved against South Korea.

The win pushed Egypt into second spot in the group but Galal insists they will have to improve ahead of their next assignment.

“I thank the fans and the media for their support. I was confident about winning and I was surprised at half-time that we weren’t leading,” added Galal. “We preferred not to change the way we play to maintain the adaptability. I thank the players for what they have done.