Liverpool face a crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham this Saturday, but they will have to navigate the fixture without their star forward Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian international has departed to join his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving a significant gap in Arne Slot's attacking options.
AFCON Supercomputer Predicts Shock Early Exit for Egypt
While Salah is away with the Pharaohs, a new prediction suggests his tournament involvement could be brief. Egypt, seven-time winners and among the favourites, are predicted by a supercomputer analysis from BookmakersCameroun.com to progress from their group but then suffer a shock exit in the round of 16. The forecast has them losing 1-0 to Comoros between January 3 and 6.
This potential early departure could have significant implications for Liverpool. If the prediction holds true, Salah would miss the Premier League match against Arsenal on January 8, but could potentially be available for selection for the FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley on January 12. His absence has been felt after a public disagreement over playing time, with Salah previously stating he felt "thrown under the bus".
January Transfer Blow for Liverpool Defence
In other news, Liverpool's hopes of strengthening their defence in the January window have suffered a setback. The club's pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is expected to be put on hold until the summer. A £35 million deal for the English centre-back collapsed late in the previous transfer window.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has now publicly confirmed his expectation that the 25-year-old club captain will remain at Selhurst Park until the end of the season. This statement, made ahead of a Europa Conference League match, dashes any immediate hopes of a winter move for a player Liverpool have long admired.
Former Red Urges Elliott Recall from Villa
The situation of another Liverpool player, Harvey Elliott, has also sparked discussion. The 22-year-old midfielder moved to Aston Villa on loan in September, but a lack of game time has prompted former Liverpool player Don Hutchison to call for his recall.
Hutchison argued that with Liverpool's bench looking thin recently due to injuries and suspensions, bringing Elliott back to Anfield would be a sensible move. The loan deal reportedly includes a £35 million obligation to buy should he make ten appearances for Villa, a milestone he is currently far from reaching.
As Liverpool prepare for their trip to Tottenham, sitting seventh in the table after a win over Brighton, the club is managing challenges on multiple fronts: the temporary loss of a key player, stalled transfer plans, and decisions regarding the future of a talented loanee.
