David Moyes selected Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday but was disappointed he failed to call up two of West Ham United’s African players last night.
The Hammers were held to a 0-0 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Tuesday.
Morocco centre-back Nayef Aggerd and attacking midfielder Mohamed Kudus, like Salah, have not played as they prepare to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. Kudus in particular made a big mistake against West Ham and will be keen to add to his tally of three goals in his last three Premier League games.
However, the Hammers were denied the opportunity to play the Ghanaian and Aguerde as FIFA regulations make New Year’s Day the last day players can represent their clubs. Moyes, angered by the claims, pointed out that Liverpool used Salah’s selection to a somewhat unfair advantage in the win against Newcastle
. “Last night when Salah played for Liverpool, he wasn’t allowed to play with our players for some reason,” said the Scot. It’s weird that we’re playing on January 2nd. Couldn’t we have played the first game so that our African players could also play together?””I think it’s wrong,” added Moyes. “Why should we allow our African athletes to be like everyone else? Now I don’t understand why you play the game and some players get penalized because they can’t play the game.“
Overall we had a great Christmas period in terms of points and we are delighted to have won three games including against Arsenal and Manchester United. “For the first time this season, we looked really worn and tired tonight.”Liverpool could miss eight games with Salah, who will be sidelined until mid-February, if Egypt reach the AFCON final.
