The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) awaits crucial decisions from Liverpool and Manchester City. They want to know if star players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush can join the squad. This is for a friendly match against Nigeria scheduled for this month.

Reports indicate the EFA has already reached out to both Premier League clubs. This communication is part of ongoing preparations for the December 14th friendly. The match will take place at Cairo Stadium.

This friendly is vital for Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations. The Pharaohs aim to extend their record as the most successful team in AFCON history in Morocco.

National coach Hossam Hassan specifically requested EFA President Hani Abu Rida to handle these discussions. Abu Rida contacted the two Premier League giants. He hopes to secure Salah and Marmoush for the clash against the Super Eagles. However, formal replies from the clubs are still pending.

Significant uncertainty surrounds the players’ availability. Both Liverpool and Manchester City face demanding fixture lists throughout December. Liverpool plays Brighton on December 13th. Manchester City takes on Crystal Palace on December 14th, the same day as the planned Egypt-Nigeria friendly. This tight schedule complicates their release.

The AFCON tournament is fast approaching. The Egyptian FA urgently seeks clarity from both clubs. This will help them finalize their preparations for the continental showpiece.

Nigeria Faces Similar Player Release Challenges

The Super Eagles of Nigeria face similar player availability challenges. Several Nigerian Premier League stars also have conflicting club fixtures. Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey (all from Fulham) play Burnley on December 13th. Tolu Arokodare’s Wolves also travel to face Arsenal on the same day.

Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is highly likely to miss the friendly. His club faces Leeds United on December 14th, making his participation impossible.