Liverpool are bracing for a potentially longer absence of their star forward Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian Football Association indicated they want him to join the national team ahead of schedule.
Extended International Duty
The Africa Cup of Nations officially begins on December 21 in Morocco, where Salah, 33, will captain Egypt. However, new developments suggest his departure from club duties could come sooner than first planned.
Egypt are keen for Salah to feature in a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria, scheduled a week before the competition starts. This would likely rule him out of Liverpool's Premier League home fixture against Brighton on December 13.
Significant Fixture Impact
With the tournament running until January 18, Salah's unavailability could extend to a total of seven Liverpool matches, depending on Egypt's progress. The Reds could be without their talisman for a critical part of the festive fixture list.
An early group-stage exit for Egypt, considered a shock result, could see Salah return for Liverpool's New Year's Day clash with Leeds United at Anfield. A more probable return date, however, is thought to be the away match against Fulham on January 4.
Ongoing Negotiations and Broader Context
According to reports, discussions between Liverpool and the Egyptian FA are ongoing. Relations between the club and the national federation are described as positive, with both parties working towards an understanding for this crucial period.
In a recent statement, the Egyptian FA confirmed that Salah was rested for their friendly against Cape Verde, a decision that may offer Liverpool some short-term reassurance.
The situation also fuels ongoing debate about Salah's form and role. The forward has scored only two goals in his last ten games, leading some pundits, like former Red Don Hutchison, to suggest that the AFCON period could be an opportunity for manager Arne Slot to find an effective system without his star player.
