Mohamed Salah has been included in Trabzonspor’s squad for their UEFA Conference League meeting with Finnish side KuPS, despite concerns about playing on an artificial surface.
Trabzonspor manager Thomas Reis named the Egyptian forward in his squad for Thursday’s match, which will be played at 19:45 Cairo and Mecca time in the opening round of the competition’s league phase.
Salah’s availability had been the subject of discussion in recent days because the match will take place on an artificial pitch. The 34-year-old had previously been excused from Egypt’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan at Juba International Stadium during the recent international break for the same reason.
The decision raised questions about whether the forward would be willing to play on the surface, given concerns about the potential risk of injuries associated with artificial pitches.
However, his inclusion in Trabzonspor’s squad confirms that he remains an option for the Turkish side ahead of the European fixture.
Salah was named alongside several of Trabzonspor’s leading players, including Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, as the club prepares to begin its Conference League campaign.
It remains unclear whether the Egyptian will start the match or begin on the bench, with Reis yet to determine his precise role in the encounter.
The debate surrounding the playing surface was also addressed by Tuka Kahila, media and communications director of Finnish club KuPS, who confirmed that the stadium scheduled to host the match has an artificial pitch.
“Indeed, the (Tamela) stadium designated to host the match is equipped with an artificial pitch, and all our home matches in the European Conference League will be held on this type of pitch.”
Kahila also provided details about the surface, explaining that it uses Saltex Ultra 35 MTRX artificial grass and has received FIFA Quality Pro certification, the highest rating for artificial pitches approved by FIFA for professional competitions.
The Finnish club official stressed that the nature of the playing surface had been known to all parties involved before the match.
Addressing concerns about player safety and the possibility of injuries compared with playing on natural grass, Kahila said the pitch had recently undergone renovation and was in good condition.
“The artificial turf of the stadium has been completely renewed this year, and it is now in perfect condition. We are fully aware that playing on artificial pitches may create a difference of opinion, but I can confidently confirm that our pitch is completely safe to protect the players.”
Salah heads into the European fixture after making an encouraging start to his campaign in Turkish football.
The Egyptian contributed an assist in Trabzonspor’s victory over Samsunspor in the Turkish league, continuing his productive run since the beginning of the season.
He has recorded 10 goal contributions so far, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
His inclusion in the squad means attention will now turn to whether Reis gives him a starting role against KuPS or opts to introduce him from the bench as Trabzonspor seek a positive start to their Conference League campaign.
