Chelsea have confirmed that winger Mohamed Salah will not have to return to Egypt to complete national service.

Reports had suggested that the 22-year-old would have to return home to fulfil the military obligation, which lasts between 12 months and three years.

Salah became eligible for military service, which is postponed for students, after cancelling his enrolment in an educational programme.

However, the Egypt international has now been given special permission to continue his career at Stamford Bridge.

Salah joined Chelsea from Basel in January on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

Written by
Steven Toplis