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Egypt coach Shawky Gharib admits he is concerned over the negative effect Chelsea are having on Mohamed Salah's career.
Gharib’s side lost 2-0 to Senegal in an African Cup of Nations qualifier at the weekend and he feels Chelsea should take some of the blame due to Salah’s lack of match sharpness.
Salah is one of the key players for his country, but has barely featured for Chelsea since joining from Basle for £11m in January. The 22-year-old has started just six games since then and has not been used at all this term.
Gharib significantly singled out Salah and his bad physical condition for criticism after Egypt’s costly home defeat. He said: “We had many mistakes in passing the ball and we failed to put the required pressure on our opponents but the defenders are not the only ones to be blamed.
“The poor fitness of the players, especially Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah, is also a reason for the loss. The Egyptian league hasn't started yet and also Salah didn’t play regularly with Chelsea. If Salah is off-form, Egypt's performance is always affected.”
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Chelsea have a wealth of attacking midfielders in their squad and Salah is currently behind Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Andre Schurrle in the pecking order.
Mourinho revealed earlier in the year that this campaign was earmarked from the outset as his ‘breakthrough season’ because he had to adapt to the pace of English football.
Chelsea begin competing in the Champions League and Capital One Cup later this month and Mourinho is expected to start using more fringe players like Salah.
