The Egyptian Football Association is still waiting to hear from Liverpool and Manchester City on whether Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush will be cleared to feature in this month’s friendly against Nigeria.

Filgoal reports that the EFA has already contacted both clubs as part of preparations for the match scheduled for 14 December at Cairo Stadium.

The fixture forms a key part of Egypt’s build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Pharaohs are aiming to underline their status as the most successful side in the tournament’s history.

Hossam Hassan has asked EFA President Hani Abu Rida to oversee the discussions directly. Abu Rida has reached out to the two Premier League clubs in the hope of securing the players for the meeting with the Super Eagles, but no formal replies have arrived.

There is lingering uncertainty over whether either player can realistically join the squad for the friendly, with both Liverpool and Manchester City navigating a heavy December schedule. Liverpool hosts Brighton on Saturday, 13 December. Manchester City play Crystal Palace the following day, which is exactly when Egypt plans to face Nigeria.

With AFCON approaching quickly, the Egyptian FA is keen for clarity from both sides to firm up its final preparations for the tournament.

Nigeria may have similar problems of their own. Several of their Premier League players are also tied to fixtures that clash with the friendly in Cairo. Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham face Burnley on 13 December. Tolu Arokodare’s Wolves are away to Arsenal that same day.

Frank Onyeka is almost certain to miss out. Brentford take on Leeds United on 14 December, which rules him out of the trip.