Photo: EFA

Egypt U-23 head coach Shawky Gharib has confirmed his intention to call up Mohamed Salah to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Gharib has been on the lookout for players in the senior team as he prepares his side for the Olympics in the summer.

The guidelines state that the national team can have up to three players who are over the age of 23 in the squad.

READ: We will not force Salah to participate in Olympics, says Shawky Gharib

Speaking to ON Sport, Gharib revealed that Salah will be called up to Egypt’s U-23 squad but says he still hasn’t contacted the Liverpool winger regarding the matter.

Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

“Out of the three senior players we’ll call-up, Salah is the only one we’re settled on so far because he’s simply one of the top three players in the world,” Gharib said.

“I haven’t talked to Salah at all about him joining the U-23 squad for the Olympics, but in all honesty, his participation in the Olympics will need a little effort from him as well.”

Egypt are set to play eight friendly matches during March and another eight during June before playing four games after the Egyptian Premier League season is over as the Olympics begin on 22 July.