Soccer

Mohamed Salah spared national service

Chelsea tight lipped on a possible return of Didier Drogba to Stamford Bridge

Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast gestures during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match against Colombia. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images
Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast gestures during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match against Colombia. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images
Mon Jul 21 2014 - 10:42

Chelsea's Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah has been spared national service, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.

It was feared that Salah would be forced to return home to fulfil the military obligation that lasts between one and three years, but he has been given permission to continue his promising career at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old became eligible for military service, which is postponed for students, after cancelling his enrolment in one of Egypt’s education institutes.

Salah has made a positive impact since completing his transfer from Basel in January, scoring two goals in six Premier League appearances.

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The move came after he impressed when the Swiss club faced Chelsea in the group stage of the Champions League last season. He was on target in both games.

A fine international record reads 17 goals in 29 appearances and the news that he will not be required for military service enables him to participate in Chelsea's pre-season training camp in Austria.

Meanwhile, the Blues have declined to comment on reports that Didier Drogba will return to Stamford Bridge for the 2014-15 season after signing a one-year deal.