Manchester United and Liverpool have been given a significant boost ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, with FIFA confirming that clubs are not obliged to release players until December 15. The ruling is a week later than initially expected, offering Premier League sides an extra week of availability for key players.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will now be available for the club's Premier League fixtures over the weekend of December 13-14. Reds boss Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday: 'He'll go on December 15. The way we have worked is that there's a communication between all three - the player, the club and country. But FIFA have said December 15 is the last day the player has to be released.'
United could also benefit, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui potentially available for their clash against Bournemouth on December 15. However, it remains to be seen if the deadline will allow them to feature. United manager Ruben Amorim said the club was working to retain the players for as long as possible: 'We have the rules, we are doing our job to try and maintain the players a little bit longer, but it is not just in our hands.'
Newly-promoted Sunderland are the Premier League side most affected by the tournament, with up to seven players expected to feature. All could now be available for their Wear-Tyne Derby against Newcastle United on December 14. Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United are unaffected, as they have no squad members involved in the competition.
The Africa Cup of Nations begins on December 21, with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros. The final is scheduled for January 18.
