Mohamed Salah's lack of game time at Chelsea blamed for Egypt defeat

Egypt coach Shawky Gharib has criticised the lack of first-team football being offered to Mohamed Salah at Chelsea following his side's defeat to Senegal.

The Pharaohs suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Senegal in their African Cup of Nations qualifier at the weekend.

Salah, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Basel in January, has struggled to cement a regular spot in the Blues' team, with Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle and Willian all standing in his way.

"The poor fitness of the players, especially Chelsea's Mohamed Salah, is also a reason for the loss," ahramonline quotes Gharib as saying. "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."

Salah was linked to Liverpool before making his £11m move to the West London outfit.