David Moyes has been left frustrated after Liverpool were able to select Mohamed Salah for Monday’s 4-2 win over Newcastle United yet he was not able to call upon 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 nigh. They were without Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd and attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus for the game as the duo, like Salah, prepare to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kudus in particular proved to be a big miss for West Ham and would have fancied his chances of adding to his recent streak of three goals in his previous three Premier League outings. However, the Hammers were denied the opportunity to play the Ghanaian, and Aguerd, as FIFA rules state New Year’s Day was the final day players could represent their respective clubs.
Angered at this ruling, Moyes pointed to Liverpool benefiting from Salah’s selection in the Newcastle victory as somewhat of an unfair advantage.
“For some reason we weren’t allowed to play our players when Salah played for Liverpool last night,” said the Scot. “It feels a bit strange that we’re playing on January 2. Could we not have played on the first so our African players would be allowed to play as well?”
“I feel that’s something which isn’t correct,” added Moyes. “I just think why could we have our African players the same as everybody else. I don’t see at this point why you would play a game and be disadvantaged by some of your players not being able to play.
“Overall we’ve had a brilliant Christmas period on the points front, I’m thrilled to win three, including Arsenal and Manchester United, and draw one. It’s the first time this season we’ve looked really jaded and tired tonight.”
Liverpool could be without Salah for as many as eight matches should Egypt reach the latter stages of AFCON, potentially keeping him out of action until the middle of February.
