Mohamed Salah may be set for a spell away from football (Picture: Getty)

Mohamed Salah’s future with Chelsea could be in the balance after reports suggested he could be forced to return to Egypt to carry out military service.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Blues in January from Swiss side Basel, is believed to have had his registration for an education program rescinded by the Minister of Higher Education in his home country.

If the reports prove to be accurate, it could mean Salah is forced to return to Egypt, as his ability to travel abroad was only granted due to his place on the education program.

According to Egyptian football website King Fut, national team director Ahmed Hassan has already spoken to Salah about the situation.




‘Salah has expressed his shock about the decision,’ he said.

‘He told me that he is trying to represent Egypt in the best way possible. Is this the best response from the country?’

The decision could mean should Salah return to Egypt – where his family is still based – he will not be permitted to leave again until he has completed a period of national service, which could add up to anything between 12 and 36 months.

A meeting is due to be held between the Minister of Higher Education, the Egyptian FA and the national team coaching staff to find a solution.

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