The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is still awaiting confirmation from Liverpool and Manchester City on whether Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush will be available for Egypt’s friendly against Nigeria later this month.

According to Filgoal, the EFA has already reached out to both clubs as part of preparations for the match scheduled for 14 December at Cairo Stadium. The friendly is a key part of Egypt’s build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Pharaohs aim to reinforce their status as the tournament’s most successful team.

Head coach Hossam Hassan has requested that EFA President Hani Abu Rida personally oversee discussions with the Premier League sides. Abu Rida has contacted both clubs in hopes of securing the players’ release, but no formal responses have been received so far.

There remains uncertainty over whether either Salah or Marmoush can realistically join the squad, with Liverpool and Manchester City facing a congested December fixture schedule. Liverpool hosts Brighton on 13 December, while Manchester City travel to Crystal Palace the following day—the same date as Egypt’s friendly against Nigeria.

Nigeria could face similar challenges, as several of their Premier League players have club commitments that clash with the Cairo fixture. Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham face Burnley on 13 December, while Tolu Arokodare’s Wolves play Arsenal on the same day.

Frank Onyeka is expected to miss out entirely, with Brentford facing Leeds United on 14 December, ruling him out of the trip.

With AFCON approaching quickly, both national teams are keen to clarify player availability to finalize preparations.