Liverpool and Man City Set for Epic Battle Over Star Duo Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush

Liverpool and Manchester City may encounter a challenging dispute with Egypt regarding the availability of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to recent reports.

AFCON interferes with the domestic schedule biennially, taking away the continent's top talents for approximately a month based on how far their national teams progress in the competition. The 2025 tournament, hosted in Morocco, commences on Dec. 21 with the championship match set for Jan. 18, 2026.

Salah and Marmoush rank among the most prominent players who might be absent for the entire duration—Egypt typically enters as tournament contenders and is anticipated to perform strongly once more—and their absence will significantly impact Liverpool and City, who must manage numerous Premier League fixtures within a compressed timeframe.

While clubs readily release players for the actual tournament, The Telegraph indicates that tensions could arise for Liverpool and City as Egypt wishes to have Salah and Marmoush available for a friendly match against Nigeria in Cairo on Dec. 14.

Guardiola: I Don't Think About AFCON Departures

City reportedly prefer to retain Marmoush for their Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace scheduled for the same date. Liverpool's position regarding Salah remains unclear, but the Reds—having suffered defeats in six of their previous seven matches across all competitions and requiring their star players to reverse their fortunes—face Brighton & Hove Albion one day prior, leaving insufficient time for Salah to compete, travel, and recover for Egypt duty.

"I always attempt to address issues when they present themselves. Currently, I'm not considering [it]," Pep Guardiola stated during his press conference regarding the potential conflict, aware he'll also lose Rayan Aït-Nouri to Algeria commitments.

"I must utilize them for Sunday, next Wednesday, and the following Sunday before the international window. When they become unavailable, we'll assess the circumstances and make appropriate decisions."

Should Marmoush leave following City's Palace fixture as the former eight-time Premier League champions desire, the 26-year-old could be absent for up to eight matches if Egypt advances to the final. Liverpool faces one fewer game due to their early Carabao Cup fourth round elimination by Palace.

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