Looking a bit like a military man won’t be the lot of Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah after he was spared national service hours ahead of the club’s tour to Austria.

It was feared Salah would be forced to return home to Egypt and tote arms for between one and three years, but he has been given permission to continue his good start with the Blues.

The 22-year-old became eligible for military service when he cancelled his enrolment in one of Egypt's education institutes and nullified his student status exemption.

Salah has made a promising start in blue since completing an £11-million transfer from Basle in January, scoring two goals in six Premier League appearances and in the 3-2 friendly win over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

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.

Chelsea have been here before regarding Israeli Ben Sahar, when it was agreed eventually that he would undertake his military service for two weeks at the end of the season.