Mohamed Salah missed Egypt’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier win over Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of Liverpool’s key Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The 33-year-old Pharaohs captain, who has scored just once from open play this season for Liverpool, was absent from the matchday squad despite Egypt already securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Djibouti the previous week.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan confirmed that Salah, along with several other key players, was rested due to the team having nothing to play for in this fixture. Salah was present in the stands, celebrating with teammates and fans.

Liverpool fans can be reassured that the absence was precautionary, not injury-related, as the Premier League heads into one of its biggest games of the season, with Salah aiming to add to his impressive record of 16 goals against Manchester United.

Salah is also just seven goals away from becoming Egypt’s all-time top scorer, a record currently held by his international manager.