Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah could miss the start of the 2021-22 Premier League season after he was confirmed to be in Egypt's preliminary squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
Countries are allowed to include three players over the age of 24 for the summer tournament, and Egypt under-23s coach Shawky Gharib affirmed that the Liverpool star would be part of the team if possible.
However, with the games set to take place between July 23 and August 8, Salah would miss Liverpool's pre-season and the start of the new campaign, while Gharib also revealed that Egypt are yet to talk to Jurgen Klopp's side over the winger's inclusion.
Speaking to Egyptian TV, Gharib said: "Egypt Under 23s team's preliminary squad will be led by Mohamed Salah and Mohamed El-Shenawy alongside another goalkeeper.
"Salah is currently one of the most important players in the world and it's normal to call him for Egypt's Olympic squad. We will start the official talks with Liverpool after the international break next March."
Klopp recently insisted that Salah - the Premier League's top scorer with 17 goals - would be going nowhere amid links with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Ben Knapton
