Liverpool's Mohamed Salah could be absent for up to 10 matches next season after the Africa Cup of Nations was moved to December and January. The 32-year-old recently signed a new contract until 2027, but the tournament, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, will clash with the busy festive fixture schedule.
Egypt, captained by Salah, have been drawn in Group B with matches scheduled against Zimbabwe on 22 December, South Africa on Boxing Day and Angola on 29 December. As seven-time winners, Egypt are expected to progress deep into the tournament, with the final set for 18 January.
Using Liverpool's current schedule as a guide, the AFCON period would overlap with eight matches, including six in the Premier League. Adding the preceding fixture for travel and a subsequent game for rest, that tally could rise to 10 matches Salah could miss.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will need to plan for the disruption and has been urged to strengthen squad depth in the summer transfer window to cope with Salah's absence. The club has previous experience of losing players to AFCON, having dealt with Sadio Mane's absences in recent years.
